Missouri’s state auditor is telling voters in the fast-growing Hallsville School District north of Columbia that he has a duty to uphold laws designed to promote transparency in the election process.
Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick will not certify April’s voter-approved $6.5 million bond issue. Auditor Fitzpatrick says the Hallsville school district bond was never submitted to his office for certification.
And 939 the Eagle’s Mike Murphy reports the county clerk’s office published the election notices in newspapers one week before the legally required timeframe. Murphy reports the state says publishing the election notice one week early violates election law.
The Hallsville school district calls the decision disappointing and they’re now exploring options, including a potential re-vote. April’s vote in the Hallsville school district was 830 in favor and 281 against, well above the four-sevenths majority required. Hallsville school officials have said the money would fund numerous projects, including security upgrades. New classrooms were also planned with the bond money to address growing school enrollment.
The Hallsville school district serves more than 1,500 students, and enrollment is expected to continue to rise as new housing developments are built in the area.
