By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
OZARK — The Ozark City Council addressed several items of business during its Tuesday meeting, including the presentation of a proclamation recognizing Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, approval of routine tax documentation for the upcoming fiscal year, a tax abatement tied to local economic development efforts, and an update to the city’s employee handbook.
At the start of the meeting, Ozark Mayor Charles R. Ward presented a proclamation declaring March 2026 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in the City of Ozark. The proclamation highlighted the work of SpectraCare Health Systems, Inc. and the Vivian B. Adams School in advocating for individuals with developmental disabilities and promoting programs designed to improve quality of life.
In the proclamation, Ward noted that both organizations “advocate for programs that promote positive systemic changes and allow persons with developmental disabilities to achieve optimum independence,” while also encouraging the community to recognize and celebrate Ozark’s diverse population, including individuals with developmental disabilities.
The proclamation also pointed to the local impact of services provided through SpectraCare, stating the organization has served 4,269 individuals in Dale County through personalized care plans, skill development, and community integration services.
Ward concluded the proclamation by calling on the community to strengthen its commitment to inclusion and awareness.
“I call upon the citizens, government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses, and schools in the City of Ozark to recommit our community to increasing awareness, support, and understanding of developmental disabilities,” Ward said in the proclamation. A copy of the full proclamation is included below.
The council also approved a resolution requested annually by the Dale County Commission and the Dale County Revenue Commissioner’s Office to verify municipal tax rates for the upcoming fiscal year. The measure ensures the city’s tax rates are properly documented in preparation for Fiscal Year 2027 and must be completed by June 1 each year. The resolution passed unanimously.
Council members also considered a tax abatement connected to a project involving Motobilt that was brought before the city through the Ozark-Dale County Economic Development Corporation (ODEDC). The abatement is part of a broader economic development effort aimed at supporting business growth and investment in the area.
Holle Smith of ODEDC said of the tax abatement resolution, “This was for an expansion of Motobil/Anvil, which was approved bhy the council. This is a $2,370,000 expansion that will add at least 15 jobs over the next 3 years.”
Smith went on to express gratitude for the council decision, adding, “I appreciate that the Ozark City Council understands the importance of taking care of our existing industry that continues to annually add jobs and invest in our community.”
The measure passed, though not unanimously. Councilmember Caitlyn Cummings voted against the tax abatement resolution, while the remaining council members voted in favor. The Dale County Chronicle has reached out to Councilmember Cummings for comment, and we will update this article if and when we receive a response.
In other business, the council approved a modification to the city’s employee handbook regarding disciplinary procedures. The updated language clarifies that employees who sign a write-up form are acknowledging receipt of the document rather than admitting wrongdoing. City officials said the change was intended to remove confusion about the purpose of the signature.
The council also went into executive session, which is a private session with no media or public allowed. The Dale County Chronicle tried to obtain information about the purpose of the executive session, but we were told it is confidential.
A board appointment that had been listed on the agenda was removed prior to the vote.
All other items on the agenda were approved unanimously by the council.
