A sales tax proposition asking West Plains residents to approve a permanent 1% sales tax increase was decisively defeated during Tuesday’s primary election, with 83% of voters opposing the measure and 17% in favor.
The defeat mirrored voter sentiment on a statewide tax initiative, Amendment 5, which proposed phasing out individual state income taxes while increasing in taxes on sales and services. Amendment 5 failed in Howell County by 88% to 12% and statewide 82% to 18%.
Roughly 31% of Howell County’s registered voters turned out to the polls.
The proposed city sales tax would have doubled West Plains' existing 1% rate, generating an estimated $4 million annually in general revenue. City officials intended to prioritize those funds toward an indoor sports complex projected to cost between $14 million and $15 million to build. The facility was part of a “wish list” generated from public input and the city’s long-range comprehensive plan mapped out in 2023. Proponents of the complex hoped it would attract regional tournaments in addition to expanding public access to indoor sports and offering a dedicated walking track.
Mayor Mike Topliff issued a statement on behalf of city officials following the results:
"The voters have spoken, and we respect their decision. Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and participate in this election. I was especially encouraged by the strong voter turnout and the level of community engagement throughout this process. While this proposition was not approved, the City of West Plains remains committed to serving our community and engaging residents in conversations about our shared vision for the future and how we can achieve it together. Thank you again for making your voice heard. We appreciate everyone who participated in the election, and we will continue working every day to provide the services our community depends on."
154th House District Primary
In the Republican primary for the 154th District State House seat, incumbent Rep. Lisa Durnell secured a spot on the Nov. 3 general election ballot by defeating her challenger, former 155th District Rep. Travis Smith, with 58% of the vote to Smith’s 42%. Durnell will face Democrat Jojo Stewart, who ran unopposed, in the general election. The 154th District encompasses all of Howell County except for a small portion in the northeast corner.
In a social media post following the election, Smith thanked his supporters and congratulated Durnell.
“While tonight’s outcome wasn’t what we hoped for, I have no regrets,” Smith wrote. “We ran a campaign rooted in honesty, respect, and a genuine love for the people of the 154th District. I am proud of the race we ran and the principles we never compromised.”
Durnell expressed gratitude to voters in a statement to the Quill.
“I’m pleased that the majority of Howell County voters were able to tune out the distractions and focus on the message that I’m working for them and not lobbyists,” Durnell said. “My number one concern with a primary opponent was that it would divide the district; it’s time to unite again, win the general election, and focus on things that are important to our district and state. I’m honored to once again be the Republican nominee for this area and will do my very best to represent Howell County well.”
37th Judicial Circuit Associate Judge
The Republican primary for Associate Circuit Judge in Division 2 featured a four-way race with no Democratic candidates entered. The 37th Judicial Circuit includes Howell, Oregon and Shannon counties.
Heath Hardman won the nomination with 38% of the vote. Lyndell Beard finished second with 27%, followed by Larry Burton with 20% and Marty Simpson with 15%. With no Democratic challenger on the November ballot, Hardman is set to assume the judicial seat.
Reflecting on the race, Hardman acknowledged the graciousness of his opponents and the courage it takes to run for public office, noting that each candidate brought strong support to the primary.
He recounted meeting residents acrossHowell County through the campaign and promised as judge he would remember their concerns.
“I know that the people of Howell County have placed their trust in me to set the tone of justice in our County,” Hardman said. “I will do my best, humbly and faithfully.”
Following the election, Simpson, Beard and Burton shared messages thanking supporters on social media. Simpson congratulated Hardman and noted he learned valuable lessons from the campaign.
Beard expressed disappointment at the outcome while thanking voters for keeping the race "positive and focused on the candidates without ugliness or bitterness."
Burton also congratulated Hardman and commended his fellow candidates. "We ran this campaign with honesty, integrity, and respect," Burton stated. "Those weren’t just campaign words, they’re values I live by, and I’m proud we never compromised them."
Congressional & Statewide Races
In federal races, incumbent 8th District U.S. Rep. Jason Smith defeated Republican challenger Gordon Heslop with 86% of the vote districtwide and 87% in Howell County. Smith will face Democrat Chris Reichard, who defeated Frank Barnitz 54% to 46% in the Democratic primary, and Libertarian candidate Rebecca Lombard in November. The 8th Congressional District covers 28 counties across south-central and Southeast Missouri.
Howell County voters overwhelmingly concurred with voters statewide to pass Amendments 1 and 2. Amendment 1, backed by 72% of local voters and 82% statewide, renewed a 10-year, 0.1% sales tax supporting state parks, historic sites, and soil and water conservation programs, generating about $140 million annually statewide. Amendment 2, supported by 73% of local voters and 77% statewide, requires charter counties — including Jackson County — to elect their county assessors and mandates professional training requirements.
