Nearly 16 percent of Perry County voters went to the polls yesterday
PERRYVILLE – A relatively small number of Perry County voters turned out for yesterday’s election; only 2,098 out of a registered voter total of 13,392 or 16 percent cast ballots in the election.
Voters said yes to a county wide sales tax of 3/8’s of one percent for nine years 1,552 yes to 519 or 75 to 25 percent.
The voters said yes to Proposition 2 to make the office of prosecuting attorney a full time position. It passed 1,408 yes to 637 no or 69 to 31 percent.
Art Pistorio won election to the Perry County Memorial Hospital trustees with 1,426 or 72 percent. His only opponent Roger Pleus received 545 or 28 percent.
Three members of the Perry County Health Department Board of Trustees won election. Diane M. Kohm won election with 1,689 or 33 percent. Brian Cooper had 1,442 or 28 percent to win his seat. Incumbent Denise Morrison was re-elected with 1,431 or 28 percent, however, incumbent trustee Keith Carroll who had been serving as vice chair of the board failed to win re-election with 525 or 10 percent of the vote.
Seth W. Amschler was unopposed for re-election to the Perryville Ward 1 alderman seat.
Kate Martin won election to the Perryville Ward 2 alderman seat with 147 votes or 54 percent. Douglas K. Martin had 120 votes or 44 percent.
David Schumer was unopposed in his bid for re-election to the Perryville Ward 3 alderman seat.
In the Village of Longtown, voters elected two trustees: Stacy Hacker received 12 votes and Cindy Shenette had 11.
All of the results are unofficial, pending a canvass.
Ste. Genevieve County voters say ‘no’ to library tax hike
STE, GENEVIEVE – The future may be gloomy for the Ste. Genevieve County Library. Suffering under a loss of income due to sales tax breaks given by the Missouri legislature and taxes paid under protest, library officials were hoping that Prop L would increase its property tax rate from 0.045 to 0.15 per 100 dollar assessed valuation would offset the double whammy loss the library is enduring.
The final tally was 1,573 no, 1,184 yes, or a margin of 57 to 43 percent.
This message was posted to the Prop L Facebook page.
“While this is not the outcome we had hoped for, we are deeply grateful to every single person who took the time to vote, speak up, share, and support this effort. Your belief in the power of the library means more than words can express.
“A library is so much more than a building with books. It is a lifeline. A sanctuary. A spark of possibility. It’s where children fall in love with reading, where job seekers find the tools to build new futures, where seniors connect and feel less alone, where students discover the world beyond their textbooks, and where every person—regardless of income, background, or circumstance—can walk through the doors and be met with opportunity, dignity, and care.
“We knew this vote would be tough. But we also knew the fight was worth it—because libraries are worth it. And now, more than ever, we must hold tight to that truth.
“We will continue to show up. We will continue to serve. We will continue to believe in the mission of equitable access, community connection, and lifelong learning. The library will remain a beacon in Ste. Genevieve—but it will need your voices, your time, and your love more than ever before.
Thank you for standing with us. This is not the end—it’s a call to keep going.
“A strong library still builds a strong community. And we are still here, committed to both.”
Library Director Shawn Long posted this on the library’s Facebook page.
“On behalf of the Ste. Genevieve County Library Board,
“With heavy hearts, we want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who stood by us and supported Prop L. While the outcome was not what we had hoped for, we take solace in knowing that we did everything we could to share our story—to show just how much this library means to our community.
“But now, we face an uncertain road ahead. In the coming months, we will work closely with the Community Center and elected officials to find a way forward.
“We don’t know yet what that path will look like, but we do know this: it will not be easy. Without the funding we needed, the reality of what’s to come weighs heavily on us. Cuts will have to be made. Services that so many rely on will be in jeopardy. And the place that has been a safe haven for learning, imagination, and connection may have to do far less with far too little.
“Still, we are not giving up. Libraries are not just about books—they are about people, and we will continue to fight for those who need us most. If you believe in the power of this library, please consider donating to our Friends group or our donation fund. Every dollar will help as we work to bridge the potential 20 percent shortfall we could be facing by 2026.
“This is not the end of our story—but it is a painful chapter.
“Thank you for believing in us.”
Shawn Long
Library Director
Other measures on the ballot were approved:
A senior citizen real property tax freeze passed by a margin of 2,395 yes to 369 no, or 87 to 13 percent.
The Ste. Genevieve Fire Protection District was approved 893 yes to 692 no, or 56 to 44 percent.
There was one race on the Ste. Genevieve Board of Aldermen: Sam Hughey defeated Robert “Boober” Roth 140-38 or 78 to 21 percent.
Teddy Ross was unopposed in his bid for a Ward 4 seat.
Two members of the existing board were re-elected without opposition:
Amie Dobbs in Ward 1 and Joe Steiger in Ward 3.
Brian Keim was unopposed in his bid for re-election as mayor.
All of the results are unofficial, pending a canvass.