Ash Grove tax renewal on ballot, Police Chief Davis’ last day announced at aldermen meeting

Ash Grovians will soon have to vote on a continuation of the mass transportation tax that goes to fund city infrastructure, as was discussed at the Ash Grove Board of Aldermen meeting on July 21. At that same meeting, outgoing Chief of Police John Davis announced his retirement would come soon as the board approved his replacement.

The tax, a city public mass transportation sales tax, is an already existing charge that the city has had for the past 10 years. It is set to expire on Dec. 31.

This would not levy any additional expenses on the citizen; rather, this would be a continuation of the tax that the city already passed in 2016.

At a rate of one-half cent, the tax applies to those buying goods in the city regardless of if they are locals or visitors. The revenue goes to transportation infrastructure, primarily road work, according to Mayor Caleb Smith.

This tax raises about $91,000 every year, money the city puts to work on projects such as paving. A “yes” vote would continue the tax for another 10 years, expiring in December of 2036.

Chief Davis announces retirement 

Davis saw his replacement chosen at the Tuesday night meeting, where it was announced that former Walnut Grove Chief of Police Joe Mahon is to be the next chief of police in Ash Grove.

Davis’ retirement became known months ago at a meeting on March 17. The announcement was made indirectly, as the board approved a motion to purchase a retirement gift in the amount of about $1,000.

“I think Joe will step into the position very well,” said Davis. “He’s done a great job over at Walnut Grove, and I think he’ll continue to do that over here.

Davis’s final day on duty will be Aug. 7. That same day, a celebration will be held in his honor at Killingsworth Hall at noon.

Davis has been in law enforcement for 47 years; he has served the city of Ash Grove since 2022.

“We really appreciate your service to the city,” said Smith.

More housing options

The city also approved an ordinance that could see the construction of more affordable housing in the Ash Grove area.

In a move that council members said could help the city grow in population, the council approved an ordinance that allows duplexes to be categorized as a permitted use within the R-1-7, or single-family residential, zoning.

This move will allow duplexes to be built in single-family residential zoning areas, which could give potential newcomers a more affordable place to live when compared to recently constructed housing, which may be out of reach financially.

Hit a snag

Subcontractor for Mediacom, Looney Underground, tasked with installing fiber optic cable at Creekside Meadows in west Ash Grove, was also discussed during the proceedings. Director of Public Works Chris Boyd said that Looney Underground, the contractor who somewhat recently installed fiber optic cable in Bois D'Arc, had hit multiple city utilities when drilling.

According to city attorney Holly Dodge, Looney has been barred from working in multiple other municipalities for poor work. Dodge said that Springfield was among the cities that said the company was no longer welcome to work there.

Dodge said that there was not much to be done as Mediacom was permitted to work in the area and Looney was a subcontractor for that company. She said the city could consider filing a complaint to the state attorney general.