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1. How do I contact the Administration Department?

Visit the Administration Department page and view contact information for staff and the Administrative Projects Director.

2. How many employees does the City of Ozark have?

The City of Ozark generally has about 105 full-time employees. We also employ another 100-150 part-time employees, mostly with the Parks and Recreation Department.

3. Who could I call if I worked for the City of Ozark and needed a copy of my W-2?

Please contact Administrative / Human Resources Coordinator Chandra Hodges at (417) 581-2407.

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1. When do I need to submit my backflow inspection?

The irrigation backflow assembly for residences is due by May 30^th

2. Why do we require backflow prevention program?

An annual test is the only way to know whether a backflow assembly is operating correctly.  Our Backflow prevention program ensures water distribution system remains safe. 

It also is required by The Department of Natural Resources.  Community water systems must have backflow prevention in accordance with 10 CSR     60-11.010.  

3. What is backflow?

Backflow is the unwanted reversal of flow in a water distribution system. Backflow occurs due to backpressure or back-siphonage and allows non-potable substances to enter a public water system through an unprotected cross-connection.

Backpressure occurs when the pressure in a building’s plumbing exceeds the pressure in the water distribution system.

Backsiphonage occurs when there is a partial vacuum (negative pressure) in a water supply system, drawing liquid from the non-potable source into the water distribution system.

You can find more information https://dnr.mo.gov/print/document-search/pub0393

4. Why do we test annually?

An annual test brings deficiencies to light. Backflow prevention protects public water systems from contamination or damage through cross-connections located in customer facilities. Backflow prevention is typically achieved by placing a backflow prevention assembly between the customer and the public water system. This is called containment backflow prevention.

https://dnr.mo.gov/water/business-industry-other-entities/permits-certification-engineering-fees/public-drinking-water-systems/construction-engineering-permit-dispense/backflow-prevention

5. Who can do my Backflow test?

A state-certified backflow tester must test your backflow assembly annually. Many landscape companies are state certified. 

6. What happens is my Backflow Assembly fails the annual test?

If your Backflow Assembly fails the annual test, you must make any necessary repairs or replacements and have your system retested within 15 days. 

7. Where do I turn in my Backflow test reports?

The state-certified inspector should turn in the test results within 30 days of the report. We suggest retaining a copy of these for your own records. 

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1. What are construction crews doing in Bingham’s First Addition?

This is a major revitalization effort within the western limits of the Historic River District.  Over five thousand. three hundred feet (5,300’) of water main and two thousand, sever hundred feet (2,700’) of sanitary sewer main are being installed to replace the aging infrastructure located in Bingham’s First Addition.  The goal is to provide better domestic water service and fire protection, while at the same time repairing sanitary sewer problems that have existed for over two decades.

2. How can I sign up to receive updates about this project ?

Please follow this link to sign up to receive updates about this project; https://form.jotform.com/230656594092058

3. How long will this project take?

The project will start in March and is set to be completed by the end of December 2023

4. When will the work take place?

Construction will occur primarily Monday through Friday.  Crews will typically not be working during weekends, or during downtown special events.  Some night work will be required to mitigate negative impacts and avoid prolonged disruption of service.  Any weekend work or night work will be communicated to the public in advance.

5. How will this effect my city utilities? Will my water be shut off?

Your utility services will only be affected when switching over to the new infrastructure.  All new utility services will be performed in coordination with owners and residents to avoid prolonged service interruptions. Some of this work may need to take place overnight to mitigate negative impacts to your service.  Crews will communicate with residents to ensure a successful project

6. How will this project affect access to my home?

Your vehicular access will only be impacted for limited amounts of time.   Crews will communicate and coordinate with residents to ensure that residents can park near or within their driveway at the end of each working day

7. Will this project affect my mail and parcel deliveries?

City crews will be working with the postal service to relocate your mailboxes to an accessible location outside of the construction zone.  Deliveries from providers such as Amazon, UPS, etc. will continue throughout the construction project.    

8. When will crews be working on my infrastructure and my street?

City crews will be working with our contractors to provide more details as the logistics of the project unfold.  Project updates will provide more specific information and detailed projected impacts which will be communicated via social media, email updates, and informational material provided to the residents.  

9. How can I get regular project updates?

City staff will be providing residents with door hangers, project information sheets, and personal updates throughout the project.   Additionally, if you would like to sign up for regular email updates, please do so by calling Public Works at 417-581-1702 to provide your contact information.  If you would like to sign up online for updates, you can use the following link to provide us with your best method of communication throughout this process.  

10. How will this project affect my trash services?

As the project progresses and work zones are identified, staff and the contractors will be communicating with the Republic Services to ensure that trash service can occur on the regularly scheduled day.  Please keep all trash cans off the rights-of-way until the day of trash service.  This will help ensure that our contractors can easily access the utilities and increase our overall efficiency.

11. How can I help with this project ?

Residents can help by parking all vehicles in your driveways and avoid any on-street parking.  Ensuring access to the city rights-of-way will be critical to increasing our overall productivity.  

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1. Where is City Hall located?

Ozark's City Hall is located at 205 North First Street, in the heart of Ozark's historic downtown area. Public parking is free.

2. How do I request information about Ozark's programs or events?

Ozark uses many tools to get the word out to our residents. Check out our Notify Me lists, and sign up to receive the latest news via email.

3. How do I become a vendor for the city?

Companies interested in receiving future requests for qualifications or invitations for bid from the City of Ozark should fill out a vendor form and submit that to the city clerk at:
205 N. 1st St.
P.O. Box 295
Ozark, MO 65721

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1. I received a letter for trash and debris but I didn’t put it there. Am I still responsible?

Yes. A property owner is responsible for any violations that may exist on their property.

2. Can I remain anonymous when reporting code enforcement violations?

Yes. We do not require that you provide any personal information. Remember that all information you choose to provide to the city, including names, phone numbers, or email addresses, is subject to the Public Record Laws. In other words, we must provide this information to anyone who asks for it. If you wish to remain completely anonymous, do not provide your personal information.

3. What do I do if I’ve received a notice of violation from Code Enforcement?

If you have any questions about what is required of you to achieve compliance with Ozark Code Enforcement, please contact the investigator assigned to your case. The investigator’s name is listed at the bottom of the notice you received. You can also call our main number at (417) 581-2407 and speak to anyone in the department.

The goal of Code Enforcement is to preserve the quality and value of public and private property and maintain a high standard of living by eliminating conditions that threaten the life, health, safety, and general welfare of the public. The department recognizes that this goal is most effectively achieved through the education of and cooperation with the citizens of Ozark.

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1. What are construction crews doing downtown?

This is the first phase of a major revitalization effort in the Historic Downtown.  Over eight thousand feet (8,000’) of water main and three hundred feet (300’) of sanitary sewer main are being installed to replace the aging infrastructure located in our Central Business District.  The goal is to provide better service and fire protection, while at the same time preparing the Downtown for future revitalization.

2. How long will this project take?

Phase I of the project will consist of replacing the existing water and sewer infrastructure.  The project started August 17th and is set to be completed by early February 2021.

3. When will work be taking place?

Crews will typically not be working during weekends, or downtown special events.  Some night work will be required to mitigate negative impacts and avoid prolonged disruption of service.  Any weekend work or night work will be communicated to the public in advance.

4. How will this affect my city utility services? Will my water be shut off at any time?

Your utility service will only be affected when switching over to the new infrastructure.  All new utility services will be performed in coordination with owners and residents to avoid service interruptions. Some of this work may need to take place after hours to accomplish.

5. How will this affect parking downtown?

City Staff has been working with the contractor in an effort to minimize the negative impacts that does occur during the construction project.  Progress comes with a price, and sometimes that price does cause some headaches.  However, we have a contract that limits the amount of parking spaces that will be obstructed during construction.  We structured this contact in this manner because we understand the importance of maintaining available parking.  Additionally, we will be working closely with the Historic River District, local business owners and community stakeholders to ensure that as construction moves forward we mitigate any unnecessary parking issues.

6. What is Phase II?

Once the water and sanitary sewer improvements are completed, the City will begin working on major roadway and pedestrian improvements.  Final plans for Phase II will go out to bid in April of 2021.

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1. How is the budget created?

The City of Ozark's budget is cyclic in nature and begins January 1 through December 31. Departments budget a year in advance, and the budget is updated quarterly to ensure proper administration. The next year's budget must be planned by department heads and the city administrator, accounted for, and approved by the Board of Aldermen a year in advance.

2. What is the City of Ozark's tax rate?

The current tax rate for the City of Ozark is 8.35%. The City of Ozark receives a total of 2.375% from that percentage.

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1. How do I find out what jobs are available within the City of Ozark?

You can view all available openings by looking at our job postings online, or by contacting Human Resources at (417) 581-2407.

2. How many employees does the City of Ozark have?

The City of Ozark generally has about 105 full-time employees. We also employ another 100-150 part-time employees, mostly with the Parks and Recreation Department.

3. What is the hiring process for filling an open position?

When filling open positions, applicants are screened for qualifications. The most qualified applicants are selected to move forward in the process and called in for interviews and/or job related assessments. Then a final candidate is selected, and an employment offer is made.

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1. How does the City of Ozark generate money?

It’s from taxes.  We have no other way to generate taxes.  Living in Ozark and not paying taxes to support local services by shopping on line is like not supporting your local businesses or your community.  On-line shopping is the way most local citizens shop and by doing so without collecting local taxes for those purchases.

2. Will there be wasted space? Will you overbuild the facility? What is your plan?

If you look at the information above you will see the proposed exterior elevation and inside floor layout for the proposed Public Safety facility.  I don’t believe you will find any areas of wasted space.  We were very careful to not over build at this time but to design what was needed to move us into the future with the ability to expand only if and when we need to as no doubt Ozark will continue to grow just as the need for public safety services.  We focused diligently on designing a public safety facility that would achieve maximum efficiency thus enabling us to provide the best service to the citizens of Ozark.  I feel confident in saying we do not currently have buildings that are “over built” but certainly have buildings that are over utilized and reaching their maximum capacity.  Even in the case of The OC we have found a use for each and every area within that facility.   

 

Square Footage of Current PD - 4,500 sqft.

Square Footage of Proposed PD – 23,000

 

Population of Ozark 2000 - 9665

In 2012, press reports described Ozark as the fastest-growing city in Missouri. 2010 census.

Population of Ozark 2020 – 21,976  

3. Isn't the monthly tax revenues collected by Ozark in 2022 more then the 2021 amounts? Actually aren't the amounts record amounts? The most ever collected?

Through the City’s focus on infrastructure improvements and economic development we have been able to recognize increased sales tax revenue. These additional revenues are being generated mainly from the Highway 65 corridor businesses which primarily serve out of state traveler’s.  The new Capital Improvements proposed for the Police Department including Facility, Officer, Fleet would require an additional $1.5-$1.75M annually which is far more than the moderate increase to the 1cent general sales meaning we could not implement the Public Safety Improvement Plan outlined on our website.

4. How much additional revenue will the Local Use Tax for Public Safety generate?

Unfortunately, there is no way to know for sure.  The Department of Revenue doesn’t keep track at this point.  However, Nixa (which is similar in size) generated approximately $500,000 in 2018 the first year they had a Use Tax.  

5. If approved by voters, when will the Local Use Tax for Public Safety go in to effect?

The Local Use Tax will be effective on the first day of the second calendar quarter following the Department of Revenue Notification. Based on that it would be effective or start collecting on April 1, 2023. 

6. Do other cities in Missouri have a Local Use Tax ?

Yes, a number of our neighboring cities such as; Springfield, Nixa, Willard, West Plains and many more. There are more than 230 cities across Missouri that have established a Use Tax. 

7. Why is a Local Use Tax for Public Safety so important for The City of Ozark?

"This month I would like to take the opportunity to talk about the growing needs of our Ozark Police Department. Did you know that the Ozark Police Department’s female officers, do not have their own locker room or changing area? The Ozark Police Department has outgrown its facility. As the city population increases, so must our police presence to maintain the same level of policing we have all become accustomed to. The City of Ozark has seen a 17.7% population increase over the past decade, with estimates showing a 3.2% population increase this year alone. To meet state and national recommendations for our current population, we must hire ten or more officers. Our current police facility does not provide adequate accommodations for the 35 officers we now employ." - Mayor Bradley A. Jackson, Ozark's Newsletter September Issue

The Mayor touches on just one of the many growing needs our Police Department faces, a new facility. A new facility would give our award-winning police department the much-needed space to do more in-house training and community outreach. 

8. When do I vote on this question?

Voting takes place on November 8, 2022. 

9. When is the deadline to register to vote?

The deadline to register to vote, and be able to vote on the Local Use Tax for Public Safety is on October 12, 2022. 

You can register to vote online at https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri/register 

10. Where do I vote?

You can find that information here, https://voteroutreach.sos.mo.gov/PRD/VoterOutreach/VOSearch.aspx

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1. What happens if I fail to appear in court as ordered?

If you fail to appear in court as ordered, the court will issue a warrant for your arrest and you can be jailed and/or fined. For more information or if you have questions, please contact us at (417) 582-5883.

2. How do I pay a ticket or fine?

Fines are due in full on the day of sentencing. The Ozark Municipal Court accepts cash, check, money orders, and cashier's checks. For more information, please call the Municipal Court at (417) 582-5883.

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1. When does the Grubaugh Pool season start?

The Grubaugh Pool is open (Weather Permitting) from May 25 - Aug, 21. Dates are subject to change.

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1. What is the benefit of becoming a member of the The OC?

A lifetime of health and wellness is a journey to share with others in our state-of-the-art facilities! Registering as a member of The OC is the best way to take advantage of all we have to offer. Members have access to the walking track, fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, child care, gymnasium, and discounted programs and seminars. Be a part of something special and join today!

2. Does The OC host birthday parties?

Yes. The OC has birthday or party rooms in our indoor aquatics area! There are several packages to choose from. Please view our information on birthday parties or contact us at (417) 581-7002 Ext 2009

3. What are the parks' hours?

Community parks are open year-round from 6:00 am until 11:00 pm. Restroom facilities within the parks are available to use from April through October. Neighborhood parks are also open year-round from 6:00 am until dark. During the Ozark Christmas Lights Display (November 15 - January 5), the Finley River Park closes at 4:00 pm.

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1. How long will my party be?

All parties are 2 hours long. After the 2 hours have elapsed, your party must exit the party room. 

2. When can I show up to set up?

You may arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before your party to set up. If you need more time, please get in touch with the events coordinator to rent additional time if available.

3. Do party rentals come with a host?

We do not provide a host. Our concessions/party staff will set up and clean up between parties. However, you are the host of your party. You are responsible for supervising your party.

Pool Parties: There is always a minimum of two lifeguards on staff in the pool area. They are trained and certified through the American Red Cross. 

4. What is included in the Party Room?

Party rooms include; tables, chairs, and white tablecloths.

5. Can I bring my own food and beverage ?

You can bring in your own food, beverages, and paper products. No glass, alcohol, confetti, or pinatas are allowed. Balloons are allowed but must remain in the party room. 

6. Are there any things I CAN NOT bring with me?

No glass, alcohol, confetti, or pinatas are allowed. Balloons are allowed but must remain in the party room. 

7. How do I make a reservation?

All parties must be booked through the event coordinator- the front desk cannot book parties. 

You can reach our event coordinator at 417-581-7002 ext. 2009 or email events@ozarkmissouri.org 

8. What if we want to keep swimming after the party?

Day passes can be purchased for $6 for children/seniors and $8 for adults who wish to swim or use the facility after the party time has elapsed. Passes can be purchased at the front desk.

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1. Is a permit needed for a garage sale?

Garage sales shall be permitted to any one person only twice within a 12 month period, no sooner than 60 days apart. No garage sale shall be allowed for more than three consecutive days. A permit is required and can be obtained at the Ozark City Hall:
205 N. 1st St.
P.O. Box 295
Ozark, MO 65721

2. How do I find my property lines?

Property lines may be located by:

• Contacting the Planning Department at (417) 581-2407 to determine whether the city may have survey information for your property


• Finding your corner pins and measuring the distance between them, if you have some idea of where your lot lines are


• Contacting your surveyor

3. How do I get zoning information for my property?

The current zoning map is available online. Zoning maps are also available for purchase. You may also call the Planning Department at (417) 581-2407 for more information.

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1. How do I get a copy of an incident report?

To request a copy of an incident report you can come by the Ozark Police Department, located @ 201 E Brick St, Ozark Mo.,or call us @ 417-581-7914, Fax us @ 417-581-8804, or email us @ records@ozarkpd.org. The following information is necessary: your name, telephone number, address, location of the incident, date of the incident, case number of the incident if you have it and a valid email address.

2. If my keys are locked in my vehicle, can the Ozark City Police open my vehicle for me?

No. However, the Ozark Police Department will assist you in obtaining the services necessary, such as a certified locksmith, to unlock your vehicle.

3. Occasionally, I see things that are suspicious or unusual. I don't know if I should call the police or what would happen if I did. Can you tell me about the procedure?

At any given time there are officers on the street, available to respond to calls for service. The Police Department counts on the citizens of Ozark to alert us to unusual situations. Any time someone calls, a dispatcher will take the information, ask questions, decide what or whom to send, and assess the urgency of the call. Each call for service will be handled, though obviously the higher priority calls may be taken first. If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1. For non-emergency calls, please use (417) 581-6600. The Ozark Police Department encourages all neighborhoods to form neighborhood watch groups. Watch groups provide extra eyes and ears in our neighborhoods. Contact one of our Crime Prevention officers for further details on starting a watch in your neighborhood.

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1. Who do I call to report a sewer that is backed up or stopped up?

You may call City Hall at (417) 581-2407. After hours and on weekends you may call Public Works at (417) 581-9303. Please do not dial 9-1-1.

2. How do I report a street hazard?

The street supervisor can be contacted by email or at (417) 582-0472. Please use our request tracker to submit requests and concerns.

3. Does the City of Ozark pick up limbs?

The City of Ozark's Public Works Department will annually have a limb pick-up day in early spring. Please contact City Hall at (417) 581-2407, or Public Works at (417) 581-1702 for questions.

4. How do I report a water service issue or water service leak?

You may call City Hall at (417) 581-2407. After hours and on weekends you may call Public Works at (417) 581-9303. Please do not dial 9-1-1. Please do not call these numbers regarding water billing issues.

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1. What is the Summer Sewer Program?

The Summer Sewer Program takes the average usage from the January to the March bill and discounts the sewer based on the average usage. This program runs from the May bill to the October bill. To be added to this program you must contact the Ozark Water Department at 417-581-2744.

2. Can I pay my bill online?

Online bill pay is NOW AVAILABLE. Go to On line Payment....... and click on ONLINE BILL PAY and follow the instructions. ONLINE BILL PAY

3. Can I sign up for automated payments from my checking or savings account?

Yes, you can fill out a Bank Draft Form that can be obtained online or inquire at the Utility Billing Department at (417) 581-2744 for automated payments. The completed Bank Draft Form and a voided blank check should be returned by person, mail or fax to City Hall.

4. What if my water is shut off?

Disconnects occur when bills are past due. To have your water reconnected you must pay the total amount due, and an additional $50 fee associated for that service.