Ozark January Newsletter

Volume XVI | January 2019

January 2019 News & Updates

If you have a photo you would like to share in an upcoming newsletter please email to spayne@ozarkmissouri.com.

January edition includes....

April election: You can run for open seats
The OC Membership Special
Welcome new MU Extension Specialist, Pam Duitsman
Q&A: Where do I pay my taxes?
Commit to "Go Green in 2019"

You can always find more information on our website at ozarkmissouri.com and connect with us on our social media pages, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Nextdoor

Visit our Website

Check out THE OC

Your Destination for Recreation

At the Ozark Community Center (The OC) we recognize that people want an affordable top-notch facility with state-of-the-art equipment and innovative programs. That’s why we offer more than your average local health club and give it to you at a competitive price. Membership offers a wonderful value you can feel great about.

There are many benefits to being an Annual OC Family member:

3,739 square-foot strength center featuring state-of-the-art strength equipment, a complete free weight area, and cable tower
Cardio center with innovative cardio pieces (stepmills, treadmills, bikes, rowing machines, and ellipticals) and a suspended indoor walking / running track
Fitness classes every week, including spinning, water fitness, yoga, TBC, Martial Arts, Dance classes, and more
Discounts on fun and unique birthday party packages hosted by The OC staff at the indoor aquatic center

For more information check out our website HERE , or stop by The OC today for a tour of the beautiful facility.

A note from Missouri Extention Office

University of Missouri (MU) Extension is turning the page on a new chapter beginning January 1, 2019. To better understand the needs of Missourians, in the fall of 2016, we began a yearlong statewide listening tour and comprehensive assessment. One stop was at The OC in Ozark, where our Vice Chancellor Marshall Stewart spent time with many from Christian County who gave their input.

One of the things discovered, was that through an annual investment of $86 million (in 2016), MU Extension generated almost $1 billion in economic impact to Missouri’s economy. However, many needs also emerged from the assessment, leading to the decision to restructure MU Extension to focus on three critical issues: Education, the Economy and Health.

In 2018, MU Extension initiated this restructuring to better align field faculty around core needs and challenges that Missourians had identified. Through a network of county offices and hundreds of MU Extension faculty and staff in all 114 counties in Missouri, hundreds of initiatives, programs, educational events and workshops are offered across the state on any given day. The programs will now address issues related to economic opportunities, educational access, and healthy futures for Missourians They will be housed under 4 main program areas: Youth and Family; Agriculture and Environment; Business and Community Development; and Health and Safety.

New Targets for MU Extension include:

To improve the economy of Missouri by more than doubling our economic impact from $945 million to $2 billion over the next 10 years;
To increase the number of high school graduates participating in post-secondary education from the current 51 percent to 60 percent over the next decade and provide place-based continuing education credentialing, job-ready programs, beginning in 2020; and
To collaborate with our partners to improve Missouri’s national health ranking from 40th to 25th over the next decade.

My new role in Christian County began on September 1, 2018 as a part of this reorganization. My role as the County Engagement Specialist gives me the opportunity to start this new chapter together with the Citizens of Christian County. We will achieve our goals as we work together, and as we focus on the best future for our county, and for all of its citizens. I am so grateful for this opportunity, and I am committed to leading and serving through the strengths and assets of the University of Missouri.

Best,

Pam

Pam Duitsman, PhD

County Engagement Specialist

Community and Economic Development

‌

Q: Where do I pay my real estate and personal property tax?

A: Around this time of year City Hall often receives the question of “when can I drop my property tax payment by city hall?” Although the city is happy to answer this question, I find it interesting that when we explain to city residents that property taxes are not paid at the City Hall but at the County Courthouse they are surprised. Apparently there is a misunderstanding by residents of Ozark that if you live within the City Limits then your entire property tax bill goes to the City, which isn’t factual. Actually, there are 12-different taxing districts within the Ozark city limits (i.e. school district, library, fire, ambulance, etc.) less than 5% is received by the City of Ozark (SEE CHART BELOW)

We understand that paying taxes can be an emotional topic, and that is why it is so important to understand as a tax paying citizen that the different taxes you pay go to different places to provide different services. If you have specific questions about property taxes contact your Christian County Collector, Mr. Ted Nichols, at 582-4330. If you have specific questions about how your property tax is assessed contact the Christian County Assessor, Mr. Danny Grey, at 582-4320. If you want to learn more about topics such as this, or have questions about the City of Ozark, please contact Samantha Payne at spayne@ozarkmissouri.com. Or you can watch our socials, in the near future the City of Ozark will be hosting workshops with various topics likes this one.

City Clerk Update

Interested candidates must apply in person at City Hall during business hours. Candidate filing period ends at 5:00 p.m. on January 15, 2019.

Curious what ward you live in? Click HERE to see the City of Ozark Ward Map

For more information on Ozark Business Renewals click HERE

Police Department Update

New Officers & Promotions

Please assist us with congratulating the two newest members of our department, Officer Padberg and Officer Hambrick,

Promoted to Corporal Officer Schwartz and Officer Spencer

Promoted to Sergeant, Corporal Jones

Promoted to Lieutenant, Sergeant

Hill. Congratulations Officers!!

2018 Cops for Kids

The 2018 Cops for Kids was a HUGE success! On December 9th, 95 children went Christmas shopping with an Ozark Police Officer and/or a Deputy from the Christian County Sheriff’s Office at the Ozark Walmart. Each child got to spend a minimum of $100 (in some instances more) any way they wanted!

This program is funded every year by local businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals. We want to say a BIG THANK YOU to all of you who supported this program again this year! Know that your generosity put lots of smiles on the faces of some very deserving children! Merry Christmas!!

City of Ozark Firework Ordinance

You may legally discharge fireworks in the City of Ozark city limits on New Year's Eve, December 31 at 10:00 p.m. through January 1st at 1:00 a.m.

It is illegal to discharge fireworks in the City of Ozark outside of designated times according to City Ordinance Article XIV or during a Ozark Fire District burn ban said periods.

Public Works Update

To obtain a city license for your pet the cost is $2.50 for spayed or neutered dogs, and $4.00 for intact pets. The City of Ozark does require citizens to have an updated rabies vaccination to obtain a city license and to bring in proof of current rabies vaccination.

The City of Ozark requires citizens to register their dogs annually. Impounded dogs in order to be released to their owners must obtain a current rabies vaccination, city license, and pay a minimum of $20.00 holding fee. Licenses are obtained at Ozark City Hall.

(417) 581-2407.

For more information click HERE

Utility Billing

Make a resolution to

Go Green in 2019

Recycling is available to Ozark Residents.

More types of recyclable items accepted!

No sorting required! It’s recycling made easy: just place all recyclable items in your 95-gallon cart with green lid for pickup every other week. Contact the City of Ozark to set up your recycle service today. With single sort recycle we handle all the sorting, saving you time.

This program is available to Ozark Water customers and is $1.70 month additional with your trash service on your water bill. The 95 gallon Recycle Cart is included in the recycle cost.