Although a day in August is set aside each year for an election, most odd numbered years sees little if any measures to decide. 2023 is different for Taney County.

One countywide issue as well as issues in five separate communities and districts will appear on the August 8th ballot. 

All Taney County voters as well voters in Branson, Forsyth, Hollister, and Rockaway Beach will vote on a 3% Sales Tax on Marijuana. 

“It’s basically what the amendment allows, which is, local jurisdictions in government entities can have a local tax on marijuana and recreational marijuana,” Branson Police Chief Eric Schmitt tells Ozarks First.

Chief Schmitt says the money raised from the 3% sales tax would go back into law enforcement.

The tax proposal for the cities of Forsyth, Hollister, and Rockaway Beach will also benefit Public Safety.

Forsyth Mayor Missi Hesketh, during a recent interview on KRZK's Ozarks Now, says their community leaders wanted to get it on the ballot and in place if a dispensary should open in Forsyth. Hollister City Administrator Rick Ziegenfuss made similar comments during an interview with the Branson Tri-Lakes News. 

Meanwhile, voters in the Branson and Hollister School Districts will also have the Public Library Tax Levy question on their ballot. 

Early voting is now underway for Taney County Voters with the polls open on Election Day August 8th from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm.