Miner voters will decide two issues in election

BENTON - Voters in just a few of Southeast Missouri's precincts are being asked to turn out Nov. 4 to decide local issues.

Voters in the City of Miner will have two issues to decide at the polls Nov. 4.

The first ballot question in Miner asks voters to approve an increase in business/merchant license fees in the city. If approved, the cost will be $25 per year for businesses with gross receipts up to $10,000; $100 for gross receipts from $10,000 to $50,000; $200 for those $50,000 to $75,000; $500 for $75,000 to $100,000; $800 for $100,000 to $200,000; and $1,000 for those with gross receipts over $200,000.

If passed, the peddlers license fee will be $100 for a 90-day permit, and the stall/flea market license fee will be $5 for a three-day permit.

The second question on the ballot for Miner seeks to change the distribution of tourism collections so that, if approved, 25 percent will go toward tourism marketing, advertising and promotion; 35 percent will go toward capital improvements; and 40 percent to the general fund.

Voters within the Reorganized School District No. 5 of Scott County will decide if the district should borrow money and issue bonds in the amount of $1.9 million for constructing, equipping and furnishing additional classrooms, restrooms and storage space to develop a separate junior high school wing and for a new gymnasium.

In New Madrid County, residents should check to see who their state representative is. If they are in the 162nd district, they will head to the polls Nov. 4.

With the resignation of Denny J. Merideth III as the 162nd representative, three candidates are seeking to take his place. Running on the Democratic ticket is Terry Swinger with Bill Wagner listed on the Republic ballot while Shirley T. Johnson is seeking the unexpired term as an Independent candidate.

Votes can be cast for the 162nd race as follows: Anderson 1 and 2, Gideon City Hall; Como 1 and 2, Parma Community Building; Como 3 and 4, Risco Community Building; LaFont 3, Conran Masonic Building; LeSieur 1, Millard Cook residence at Scrub Ridge; Portage 3, Tallapoosa City Hall; Portage 1 at the Portageville City Hall and residents in Portage 2 at the Portageville Knights of Columbus Hall.

After going down to defeat in August, the city of Portageville is going back to the voters to seek approval of $2,300,000 in revenue bonds to fund improvements to the city's waterworks. The bonds would be repaid through the operation of the water and sewage systems. Only Portageville city residents in Portage 1 and Portage 2 can vote on the issue.

There are no issues going before voters in Mississippi County.