Quorum court backs assistance to Ozarks Electric Cooperative amid objections over long tax abatement

The Washington County Quorum Court voted to approve a resolution supporting assistance to Ozarks Electric Cooperative to facilitate a new facility and related infrastructure improvements, despite objections from several justices who said the proposed tax abatement terms were too generous.

Justice Lemming introduced the resolution and described expected local benefits including reduced traffic congestion at the cooperative'9s Highway 16 facility and anticipated local construction activity that would generate tax revenues. Justice Koger objected to the proposal'9s scale and duration, telling the court she could not "justify 65% abate tax abatement for 30 years," and said the county assessor was not included in negotiations to evaluate long‑term valuation impacts.

Justice Lyons and others supported the measure, arguing that the arrangement would accelerate needed utility upgrades and avoid higher immediate costs to Ozarks Electric customers. Justice Rio Stafford framed the action as an investment in a member‑owned public cooperative, saying, "If this were a matter of giving a tax break to an ordinary corporation, I would be against it... This is an investment for a public utility."

The court approved the resolution on roll call; the motion passed with recorded opposition from Justice Koger and Justice Massengill. The judge said the county court would "move post haste" on implementation steps.

Why it matters: the measure affects local economic development, tax base composition and how the county negotiates incentives for major employers or utilities. Critics warned a 30‑year, 65% abatement could reduce revenue available to taxpayers and school districts over decades; supporters said expedited upgrades are necessary for a growing county.

Next steps: the county judge indicated prompt administrative follow‑up to effect the assistance and associated agreements.