On behalf of the City Aldermen, staff, and residents, I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to you as you embark on this new chapter of your life here in the beautiful City of Ozark. We are thrilled to have you join our vibrant community and look forward to the contributions and diversity you will bring.
Ozark is more than just a place on the map, it's a close-knit community that prides itself on its rich history, natural beauty, and a strong sense of unity. As you settle into your new home, we hope you will discover the numerous opportunities and amenities that make Ozark such a wonderful place to live, work, and play
Nestled in the heart of the Ozarks, our city offers a breathtaking landscape with rolling hills, lush forests, and a river that provide endless opportunities for outdoor activities. Whether you enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, or simply taking in scenic beauty, you will find an abundance of options to satisfy your adventurous spirit.
Ozark also boasts a thriving downtown area, where you can explore charming boutiques, dine at locally-owned restaurants, and immerse yourself in our vibrant arts and cultural scene. We take pride in fostering a strong local economy that supports our small businesses and encourages entrepreneurship.
As a new citizen, you will have access to a range of city services and programs designed to enhance your quality of life. Our dedicated public safety officials work tirelessly to ensure your safety and security, and our parks and recreation department offers an array of activities and events for individuals and families to enjoy.
We encourage you to get involved in the community and become an active participant in shaping the future of Ozark. There are numerous volunteer opportunities, community organizations, and events that will allow you to connect with fellow residents and make lasting friendships.
Once again, welcome to the City of Ozark. We are confident that you will find this city to be a place where you can build a fulfilling and prosperous life. If you ever need assistance or have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our City Hall. Our dedicated staff is here to assist you in any way we can.
We extend our warmest wishes to you as you begin this exciting journey in Ozark, and we hope that you will find this city to be everything you have envisioned and more May your time here be filled with joy, success, and a deep sense of belonging
Deputy City Administrator2020 CENSUS POPULATION: 21,284
Ozark, Missouri, is a city in the southwestern part of the state. The area was first settled in the 1820s, and the city was officially incorporated in 1857
In its early history, Ozark was a small agricultural community that relied on crops such as corn and cotton for its economic livelihood. In the late 1800s, the city grew due to the railroad expansion, bringing new industries and businesses.
Throughout the 20th century, Ozark continued to grow and expand, attracting residents with its scenic beauty and access to the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. This protected area offers recreational opportunities like fishing, boating, and hiking.
In recent years, Ozark has experienced a boom in growth and development, attracting new residents and businesses to the area. Today, the city is a thriving community with a strong economy, excellent schools, and a high quality of life.
While Ozark has experienced much change over the years, it has retained its small-town feel and a strong sense of community, making it a wonderful place to live, work, and play.
Hours: Monday - Friday | 8 am - 4:30 pm Phone: 417-581-2744
SUMMER SEWAGE AVERAGE PROGRAM.
How it works: The Utility Department takes your January, February, and March water & sewer bill totals to get an average.
You will be billed that average rate from bill dates May 1 - November 1, 2023
In order to begin water, sewer and/or trash service in the City of Ozark, new customers can come by the Ozark Water office Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. You will fill out a customer form and trash form (if needed). To begin service, we require either a $100 deposit for renters or a $75 homeowner. We can begin service on the same day a new account is activated, provided the account is activated before 2 p.m.
Water rates inside the city limits are $12.50 for the first 1,000 gallons (minimum charge) and $3.30 per 1,000 gallons thereafter. Locations outside the city limits are charged $18.75 for the first 1,000 gallons and $4.95 per 1,000 gallons thereafter.
Sewer
Inside the City Limits: $10 for 1st 1,000 gal; $8.00/1,000 gal thereafter. Sewer charges are calculated on your water usage for the month.
Outside the City Limits $15 for 1st 1,000 gal: $12.00 /1,000 gal thereafter. Liberty Energy - Empire Electric | 1-800-206-2300
The City of Ozark coordinates with several local utility providers.
Spire Energy - Missouri Gas Energy | 1-800-582-1234 Republic Services | 1-800-627-1717
The City uses various communication tools to reach stakeholders such as citizens, business owners, and developers. The City relies on these stakeholders to seek out the tools they prefer to use.
OzarkMissouri.com | The City's website has important information on every department in the City.
Monthly Newsletter | On the first of every month, the City emails a monthly e-newsletter.
Virtual Board Meetings | Bi-monthly Aldermen Meetings and monthly Planning & Zoning Meetings are live-streamed on the City's Youtube Channel. Social Media | The City has several different social media accounts.
Lobby Monitors | The Ozark Community Center has TVs in the lobby providing information on upcoming recreational activities.
Police Outreach | 201 E. Brick St. 417-581-6600
Ozark PD welcomes each new residents and hosts in-person tours of the police department.
Board Meetings | 205 N. 1st St.
Bi-Monthly Board of Aldermen Meetings and monthly Planning and Zoning meetings. Don't worry if you can't attend in person, watch it virtually on our YouTube Channel.
Ozark Community Center | 1530 W. Jackson St. 417-781-7002
City Hall | 205 N. 1st St. 417-581-2407
City Recreation Guide | Coming Fall 2023
Welcome Packet
City of Ozark | @OzarkMissouri1
Ozark Community Center | @OzarkCommunityCenter
Ozark Police Department | @OzarkMoPD
City of Ozark | @OzarkMO
Ozark Community Center | @OzarkParks
City of Ozark | @OzarkMissouri2717
Ozark Community Center | @OzarkCommunityCenter
City Hall - 205 N. 1st St.
Front Desk | 417-581-2407
Ozark Water Utility Billing | 417-581-2744
Planning & Development | 417-581-2407
Public Works | 207 E Brick St. 417-581-2407
Legal Department | 201 E. Brick St. 417-581-4651
The Ozark Community Center - 1530 W. Jackson St.
Front Desk | 417-581-7002
Ozark Police Department - 201 E. Brick St.
Non-Emergency | 417-581-6600
Ozark Fire Protection District - 604 N. 3rd St.
Non-Emergency | 417-581-4436 info@ozarkfire.org
Ozark School District - 1600 W. Jackson St.
Administration Office | 417-582-5900
Christian County - 100 W. Church St.
Assessor | 417-582-4310
Auditor | 417-582-4368
Collector | 417-582-4330
Christian County Commission | 417-582-4300
Coroner | 417-708-1294
County Clerk | 417-582-4340
Courts | 417-582-5150
Christian County Health Department | 417-581-7285
Christian County Sherriff - 110 W. Elm, Suite 70
Administrative Office | 417-582-5330
Jail Operations Office | 417-582-1976
Ozark Chamber of Commerce
417-581-6139
Historic River District
historicriverdistrict@gmail.com
Liberty Energy
Electric | 1-800-206-2300
Gas | 1-800-424-0427
Republic Services
1-800-865-1717
The city of Ozark does not carry out the collection of taxes. Instead, property taxes are evaluated and gathered by Christian County. On the other hand, local enterprises are responsible for collecting sales and franchise taxes, which are then submitted back to the state. TOTAL
*REAL ESTATE TAX BREAKDOWN
The City of Ozark is what is referred to as a Fourth-Class City Fourth-Class Cities operate under the generic charter in Chapter 79 of Missouri's Revised Statutes The chapter includes details on organizing a city, required and optional officials, duties and responsibilities
The City of Ozark has three (3) wards (See Ozark City Wards Map) For each ward, one alderman candidate is elected each year, alternating to a two-year term Wards should be as equal in population; most courts have agreed that this number should be within 10 percent of the ideal number.
The Mayor presides over meetings of the Board of Aldermen, which requires much preparation. Because the notice of each meeting must include a tentative agenda, procedures must be in place for preparing the agenda. An agenda must be posted publicly 24 hours before a meeting being held.
OZARK MAYOR, DON CURRANCE TERM EXPIRES: APRIL 2025
Aldermenmustbe21yearsold, cityresidentsforatleastoneyearbeforeelectionday,and liveinthewardfromwhich theyfileatthetimetheyfile. TheBoardofAldermenmay taketwo(2)primaryactions:
Itadoptsorrejects resolutionsand Itadoptsorrejects ordinances.
Bothrequirethataldermen makeamotiontoadopt, secondthemotion,discussthe issue,callthequestionand thenvote.
Ozark has six(6) city boards and commissions, totaling more than 50 members. This section lists the members' names for each board and commission. In addition, some of the boards and commissions have posted minutes from past meetings and agendas for future gatherings You can find that information on our website at OzarkMissouri com
Due to the special circumstances that arise, variances may be necessary to help resolve issues concerning set codes. Therefore the Board of Adjustments is there as a service to the citizens. The board consists of up to five(5) members and up to three alternates. The mayor appoints members for a five-year term. Four(4) members must be present during meetings to vote on any given issue. This is a seven-seat Board with six members and one alternate It currently has five(5) members
Board Member Term Expires
Emmett Clevenger March 4, 2024
Griffin Bobbitt January 21, 2025
Eric Griessel June 21, 2026
Kenny Washam June 21, 2026
Carri Sands June 21, 2026
The Industrial Development Authority aims to promote and solicit industrial and economic development projects. Executing leases, contracts, releases, compromises, and other instruments is necessary for selling, loaning, issuing, investing, and other like activities. This a six-seat Board. All six (6) seats are up for selection.
The Land Clearance Redevelopment Authority (LCRA) recommends development incentives such as tax abatement and tax-exempt revenue bonds. The LCRA also recommends the condemnation of commercial, industrial, and residential properties for the redevelopment of areas approved by the Ozark Board of Aldermen.
Board Member Term Expires
Tom Bass April 17, 2025
Rick Gardner June 5, 2027
Chuck Branch May 2, 2027
Chuck Fugate April 3, 2027
Crickett Giles April 3, 2027
The Planning & Zoning Board recommends various development applications to the Board of Aldermen. Such applications include rezoning, preliminary plats, final plats, conditional use permits, and various other aspects of planning and zoning, including the review of site development plans. The most significant duty of the Board is to adopt and update the City of Ozark's Comprehensive Master Plan.
The Board meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 205 N. 1st Street, or you can watch virtually on the City's YouTube Channel.
If you would like information about a Planning & Zoning Board meeting, please don't hesitate to contact the Planning & Development Department at 417-581-2407
The Public Funding Corporation of the City of Ozark, Missouri, is a not-for-profit corporation founded for the purpose of purchasing and/or constructing properties and projects for the benefit and use of the City of Ozark. The projects are constructed and then leased to the City. The City’s obligation under these leases is for an annual appropriation only and does not constitute an indebtedness or liability of the City.
Board Member Term Expires
Aleksey Pavlov
January 2, 2025
Franciso "Wem" Oaks July 15, 2027
Hadlee Goldberg June 11, 2024
Jeff Garrison June 11, 2024
Lacey Colbert July 18, 2026
Pete Renfrow June 11, 2024
Trevor Branch February 7, 2026
Elise Crain
Frank Lorenz
Mary Adams
July 24, 2024 President
August 3, 2027 Treasurer
August 6, 2024 Vice-President
The Board of Aldermen authorized the formation of the Public Funding Corporation on November 18, 1991. The P.F.C. Board of Directors is made up of four (4) duly qualified electors of and taxpayers of the City of Ozark, appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the Board of Aldermen, with six-year terms.
There is not a set meeting schedule for this Board. A meeting is called when needed.
This a five-seat Board. There are two seats up for selection.
The mission of the Ozark Police Department is to work in a true partnership with our community, enhancing the quality of life in our city, maintaining order and protecting the people we serve by reducing incidences of crime while pledging to uphold our professionalism, honor and integrity. We strive to preserve the peace and safety of our citizens through the enforcement of federal, state, and local laws with a goal of safeguarding the rights of all persons with the least possible disruption of their daily activities while setting the standard in law enforcement.
The Ozark Police Department will garner the support of our community and demand a strong work ethic that fosters pride in ourselves and in our department. We will be a model agency integrating the newest technology while providing police services. Our values will be reflected in our decisions We shall consider our responsibilities and obligations in every action we take We shall be attentive to the needs of our community by being interactive, courteous and responsive. We shall endeavor to do without being asked and do more than would be asked.
We are committed to candor, honest, and ethical behavior with each other and those we serve
We deliver to the public, high quality service, which is fair, courteous, responsive and efficient. We recognize the need to involve the community in creating a secure and safe environment.
We maintain high standards of training and expertise and keep abreast of new trends and standards in the field of law enforcement.
We make effective use of our resources and provide a spirit of open communication within our community. We are responsible for our actions. We admit our mistakes and strive to earn the trust and support of our community.
We maintain a workplace environment based on mutual respect, which reflects an appreciation of the unique qualities of each individual who contributes to the overall good of our team.
The Canine Control Division performs numerous functions, including the capture of dogs at large, protection of animals, investigations of animal abuse and neglect, and enforcement of local and state animal laws
If you have lost a dog or found a dog please follow the link below to fill out a form that will be submitted to the Ozark Canine Control (OCC) Division.
If we pick up a dog matching your description, you will be notified so that you may formally identify your dog. If we receive a lost report matching a found report, contact will be made with both parties to try and connect them. Remember that OCC ONLY picks up stray dogs (No Cats) inside the city limits of Ozark.
To obtain a city license for your pet the cost is $2 50 for spayed or neutered dogs, and $4 00 for intact pets
The City of Ozark does require citizens to have an updated rabies vaccination to obtain a city license and to bring in proof of current rabies vaccination. The City of Ozark requires citizens to register their dogs annually. Impounded dogs in order to be released to their owners must obtain a current rabies vaccination, city license, and pay a minimum of $20.00 holding fee. Licenses are obtained at Ozark City Hall. (417) 581-2407 ext. 1205.
If you have lost or found a pet; want to report a dangerous animal, animal at large, animal nuisance, or animal neglect, please call Ozark Animal Control at 417-581-6600 EXAMPLES OF VIOLATIONS:
More than three dogs and/or cats over the age of six months at one residential location
Animals not vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian and not displaying the tag provided by the veterinarian showing a current rabies vaccination
Animals at large
Frequent howling, barking, baying, or yelping by an animal that disturbs the peace of the neighborhood
The owner fails to provide adequate care or adequate control, which results in substantial harm to the animal
Animal abandonment
This list is not a comprehensive list of all city codes regarding animals. It is a brief, summarized list of just a few of the most common violations.
The Ozark Parks & Recreation Department is a vital component of the community, offering a variety of programs and services for residents and visitors of all ages. The department manages several parks and recreational facilities in the city, including Grubaugh Park, which features a disc golf course, inclusive playground, outdoor pool and scenic walking trails. Other amenities available through the department include many recreational youth sports leagues, including baseball, soccer, and basketball. As well as a community center that hosts fitness classes, youth programs, and special events The department is committed to providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality recreational opportunities that promote health, wellness, and community engagement
Hours: Monday - Friday: 5 am - 9 pm
Phone: 417-581-7002
Youth $20
Adult $38
Full-Time College Student $26
Senior $26 Senior Couple $40
Family $55
Prices are based on the Monthly Auto-Draft Payment
FINLEY RIVER PARK
Baseball & Soccer Fields, Trails & River Access
961 N. RIVERSIDE RD.
417- 581-7002
GRUBAUGH AQUATIC FACILITY & PARK
Lap pool, a water slide and a splash area with Inclusive Playground and Disc Golf Course
907 E. PARKVIEW
417- 581-7946
NDOOR AQUATIC FACILITY
ap pool with beach access, a lazy river, a water slide and locker oms for both men and women.
30 W. JACKSON ST.
7-581-7002
STAY UP TO DATE ON THE GARRISON SPRINGS PROJECT HERE:
The City of Ozark acquired the property in March 2021 with the help of two grants. We plan to perform maintenance and updates to offer their first Community Forest. The property features a natural world with abundant water, karst features, and a small stream called Garrison Branch. The property also includes a cave system connected to three springs, one of which flows from a small cave on one of the hillsides. The property contains man-made walls and impoundments that were possibly used to water horses on a mail run or provide a scenic gathering spot for early settlers, but they are currently in a state of disrepair.
