COMMERCE, CHAFFEE HEAD TO POLLS

Declining student enrollment in Chaffee has prompted the school district to call for a special election, while Commerce voters will decide whether or not to build a sewer systemThe Scott County Clerk's office in Benton will be open from 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday for voters who would like to cast an absentee ballot in Tuesday's special election. Absentee votes can also be cast at the clerk's office from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Monday. Because Chaffee schools has lost more than 100 students during the last five years, it has also lost state funding. The way Missouri schools are funded, the only possible ways to change funding amounts is for more students to enroll in the district or to raise the operating tax levy, said Superintendent Bob Biggs. The district has called a special election Tuesday so voters can decide whether or not to increase the operating tax levy by 85 cents.

If the bond measure passes, it would increase the district's tax levy from $2.81 per $100 assessed valuation to $3.61 per $100 assessed valuation. The increase would take effect in 2001, if it meets voter approval. The district plans to use the increased tax levy to pay a portion of staffing costs, purchase equipment and build additions.

Just because the district is asking for voters to approve a higher tax ceiling doesn't necessarily mean the board will impose the highest amount, Biggs said."We have to get the reserves back up," he said. "I realize it will be very expensive if you own property, but for every dollar you spend the state will give us three. I feel like that is a good deal."Biggs said he was optimistic about the election, but "at this point you're always nervous." Polling places are Chaffee City Hall, First Baptist Church and Gosche's Store.

Voters in Commerce will decide whether or not to issue $100,000 in bonds for a sewer system. The cost and principle of the bonds would be paid from operating fees for the new system.

Voters can cast their ballot at the Commerce City Hall.