General Muncipal Election 2026: What you need to know before you vote
- K.D. Michaels
- 2 days ago
- 13 min read
ISSUES ON THE BALLOT
Taney County voters to decide Homestead Real Estate Tax Credit question known as Proposition #1 on the April 7, 2026, ballot
Taney County voters will soon decide whether to approve a Homestead Real Estate Tax Credit authorized by Senate Bill 3 (2025) and codified in 137.1055, RSMo.
The measure, if approved, would limit the amount property taxes can increase on eligible primary residences (homesteads) while protecting local services and ensuring the credit applies only where intended.
The ballot question, which will appear on the April 7, 2026, General Municipal Election ballot, reads:
Proposition #1
“Shall the County of Taney exempt eligible taxpayers from certain tax increases on eligible taxpayers’ primary residence above the liability incurred during the initial credit year?”
□ YES□ NO
A YES vote would authorize the credit, while a NO vote would not authorize the credit. Under the program, the real property tax liability on an eligible taxpayer’s homestead would not increase above the amount paid in the “initial credit year.”
The credit applies only to a taxpayer’s primary residence—the home they actually live in. It does not apply to rental properties, agricultural land, commercial property, personal property, or second homes. If approved, the County anticipates the tax credit would be implemented no later than tax year 2027.
The credit will:
● Apply only to a taxpayer’s primary residence
● Provide an annual credit equal to the difference between the current year’s tax liability and the initial credit year amount (subject to certain limitations)
● Require an application so only eligible taxpayers receive the benefit on their primary residence
● Allow taxpayers to continue receiving a tax bill that clearly reflects any credit
The credit will not:
● Eliminate property taxes or freeze them permanently
● Apply to new construction, improvements, or added value on the property
● Cover increases from new voter-approved levies, voter-approved increases in existing levies, annexation into new taxing jurisdictions, the State Blind Pension Fund, or bonded indebtedness
● Benefit non-residential or non-homestead properties
● Automatically enroll anyone — participation is voluntary and requires an approved application each year
If approved, the credit could reduce revenue for school districts, cities, fire districts, ambulance districts, the county and other taxing entities that rely on property taxes. Those districts may need to adjust budgets to maintain services.
Voters should be aware that there are ongoing lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of SB 3 which may affect the validity, implementation or applicability of the Homestead Tax Credit statement – regardless of whether voters approve the ballot question. If the courts find the relevant provisions unconstitutional, the credit may not take effect or may take effect and later be declared unlawful. If the courts uphold SB 3, then the vote on the ballot question will determine whether the Homestead Tax Credit will apply in the county.
The program is separate from the existing Senior Property Tax Credit under SB 190. Eligible seniors may qualify for both programs, but they will not receive a tax credit under both programs.
For questions, contact the county at the following telephone number: Taney County Clerk’s Office: 417-546-7249.
Several races to be decided across Taney County
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
Taney County voters will have some decisions to make on Tuesday when they head to the polls for the Missouri General Municipal Election.
Taney County will have the opportunity to decide on a countywide property tax measure during Tuesday's election. The proposed tax measure, Proposition 1, will affect the property tax credit program for eligible homeowners.
Merriam Woods will elect a new mayor to fill a one-year, unexpired term. Two candidates, Robert Amos and Barbara Durham, both appear on the ballot.
Branson voters will select an alderman for Ward three, where the candidates are Ralph LeBlanc and Ashley Harkness.
Several school board races and city races will also appear on ballots across Taney County.
The General Municipal Election is set for Tuesday, April 7. All registered voters are encouraged to go to your local polling place to cast a ballot and make your voice heard.
Read About the Ward III Candidates
Ashley Harkness endorsed by Alex Williams
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
One candidate for Branson's Board of Aldermen endorsed a fellow candidate during a Monday night event.
Dr. Alex Williams, candidate for alderman in Branson's Ward 1, held a campaign rally on Monday night at the Branson event center. Dr. Williams is running unopposed for the seat left vacant when Ward 1 Alderman Marshall Howden decided not to seek reelection.
Williams can often be seen literally running through the neighborhoods in Branson's Ward 1, to signify that he is "running for Alderman Ward 1." His campaign includes the slogan "Let's make doing business in Branson great again."
During his campaign rally, Williams took time to endorse another candidate to the Branson Board of Alderman, Ashley Harkness, a candidate for Ward 3. Harkness is running against Ralph LeBlac who is seeking reelection.
During the rally, Williams pledged his support and offered encouragement to Harkness.
"I'm honored to have the support of Dr. Alex Williams," said Harkness. "I think it's clear to most folks that Alex is a rising community leader who wants what's best for Branson. I am honored to have earned his endorsement. Leading a city is a team sport that no one can do alone. I'm proud to be on team Alex because I know there is much we need to do and together we can get it done. Alex has been a strong voice for accountability and transparency in Branson and his endorsement means a great deal! We may represent different wards, but we share the same goal and vision—making sure our city government listens to the people it serves. This kind of leadership is exactly what Branson needs more of. I'm grateful for his confidence in my campaign and I'm grateful for his support—as we work toward a better, brighter future for our community. Remember to get out and vote April 7."
Get to know Branson's Ward Three candidates
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
Two candidates are vying for the position of Alderman, Ward 3, in Branson. Incumbent Ralph LeBlanc is being challenged by Ashley Harkness in the only contested race this year for the Branson Board of Aldermen.
In order to help our readers get to know the two candidates, we asked each candidate the same questions. Following are their answers:
1. Let's start out with a little background on yourself, please. Are you originally from Branson? If not, when did you move here? Tell us about your job history/career, please. And your family.
Ralph LeBlanc: "I am originally from Houma, Louisiana. I've had the privilege of calling Branson home for nearly three decades. I've watched this community evolve, grow and rise through both opportunity and challenge. That kind of long-term connection gives you something you can't manufacture—perspective. When you've spent years walking the same streets, building relationships, raising a family and investing in the community, you don't see Branson as a political map. You see it as people. You see the small business owner opening early, the families gathering on weekends, the neighbors who still believe in looking out for each other. That's the lens I bring to leadership. Not theoretical, not distant—personal."
"As for my career, it has been built around service, discipline and results. As a U.S. Army combat veteran, I learned early that leadership is not about comfort, it's about clarity under pressure. It's about making decisions when the stakes are high and the answers aren't always easy. Following my military career, I dedicated my professional life to healthcare and wellness. My wife and I are the founders of LeBlanc Wellness Center, a state-of-the-art wellness facility that focuses on helping people restore function, regain strength and reclaim their lives. That kind of work teaches you something powerful; you can't fake results. People either improve or they don't. That same mindset translates directly into public service. Outcomes matter. Efficiency matters. Accountability matters."
"At the core of everything I do is my family. My wife, Cherie, our children and grandchildren are the foundation that keeps me grounded. They remind me daily of what really matters—integrity, stability and legacy. When I think about decisions on a city level, I don't think abstractly. I think about how those decisions affect families just like mine. Because at the end of the day, every policy, every vote, every initiative, it all comes back to one thing: improving the quality of life for the people who call Branson home."
Ashley Harkness: "I'm originally from the Branson area and have spent most of my life here. This community is my home. It's not just where I live and work, it's where I'm raising my family. It's where I'm planted and where my heart is rooted."
"I'm a small business owner, a real estate agent, and I work alongside my husband building custom homes and doing remodels. Through construction and real estate, I've had the opportunity to work closely with homeowners, business owners and families across our community. That experience has given me a firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Branson as we continue to grow."
"My husband Bobby and I are raising our children here and that's a big part of why this matters to me. I care deeply about the future of our community."
"Service is something that runs in my family. My brother served 22 years in the United States Air Force, my father flew Hueys in Vietnam, and my grandfather served as a turret gunner in World War II. That legacy of service has shaped how I approach leadership and community involvement, understanding that to serve is to sacrifice for something greater than self."
2. What made you decide to run for board of aldermen originally? (And, for Ralph LeBlanc, why did you seek reelection?)
Ralph LeBlanc: "Originally, the decision to run for the board of aldermen wasn't driven by ambition, it was driven by responsibility. Branson, like the rest of the country and every small town in America was experiencing the challenge of COVID shutdown. I was witnessing the struggle and uncertainty that many residents and business owners were having and there comes a point where you either step forward or you step aside. And, I've never been wired to sit on the sidelines when I know I can contribute. I saw opportunities for improvement, clearer communication, stronger infrastructure planning, a more strategic approach to growth, even with the challenges we were all experiencing. And, instead of pointing out problems, I chose to be a part of the solution. Leadership begins at the moment you decide that your voice and your actions can make a difference. These are virtues that I took away from my military service."
"Reelection is about continuity. It's about finishing what you started and building on what's working. Over the past two terms, we've made meaningful progress. Improving safety, strengthening our infrastructure and positioning Branson for sustainable growth. But, here's the truth most people recognize—real progress doesn't happen overnight. It happens through consistent, focused effort over time, and when you've already built momentum, stepping away doesn't make sense. You double down. You refine. You execute. That's exactly what I intend to do."
Ashley Harkness: "I decided to run because I believe leadership should be accountable to the people who live here. I believe common sense decision making is vital to a healthy and thriving community, and I'm gravely concerned about some decision making by our current leadership and how it will impact our future. What we do today affects the stability of our amazing community and the Branson my daughter will be growing up in. Branson is growing and changing quickly, and I believe this is a time when thoughtful, engaged leadership matters. I want to help ensure that residents have a voice in the decisions that shape our community and our future."
3. What can you bring to the table as a member of the board?
Ralph LeBlanc: What I bring is simple but powerful: clarity, consistency and commitment. Clarity in decision making, consistency in core values and a commitment to results. These aren't just words—they're operational standards. When challenges arise, and they always do, you need leadership that doesn't hesitate or drift. You need someone who understands how to evaluate a situation, communicate clearly and move forward decisively. I bring a unique combination of experience, military discipline, healthcare leadership and community engagement. That combination allows me to approach problems from multiple angles. It's not just about solving today's issue. It's about anticipating tomorrow's. And, once you begin thinking that way, you start making decisions that don't just fix problems, you prevent them."
Ashley Harkness: "I bring a practical, sensible, solutions-focused perspective. In business and construction, every project requires planning, budgeting, problem-solving and collaboration. Those same skills are important in city leadership, too. I also bring a strong commitment to listening. The best decisions are made when leaders take the time to hear from residents, business owners and industry professionals before moving forward. Also, when our leaders don't care who gets the credit as long as we're doing what's best for Branson."
4. How have your experiences prepared you for this position?
Ralph LeBlanc: "In healthcare, you learn quickly that symptoms are not the problem, they're signals. The real word is identifying root causes and addressing them directly. That same principle applies to city leadership. Whether it's infrastructure strain, economic challenges or community concerns, you don't just react, you analyze, plan and implement. That's how you create lasting solutions. Life experience teaches you what textbooks can't—how to lead people, not just processes. It teaches you how to listen, how to adapt and how to stay grounded when things get complex. In a role like this, that human element matters more than anything."
Ashley Harkness: "Running a small business and working in real estate and construction requires balancing budgets, solving problems and working with many different people and viewpoints. My experience leading nonprofits helped me understand some of the biggest challenges our community faces. Most importantly, this experience has taught me that leadership requires humility, collaboration, common sense and a willingness to listen, learn and take action."
5. What are the biggest issues that you feel Branson is facing at this time?
Ralph LeBlanc: "I believe there are three areas we must remain diligent on. The first is safety and community stability. Safety is non-negotiable. When families feel safe, communities thrive. When they don't, everything else begins to erode. We've made progress but maintaining and improving safety must remain a top priority. The second is growth and infrastructure. Branson is growing and that's a good thing, but growth without planning creates pressure. Roads, utilities and public services must keep pace, or the system starts to strain. We need smart, intentional growth, not reactive expansion. And, third is economic sustainability. Branson's economy is strong, but it's also seasonal. That creates challenges for businesses and workers alike. Diversifying and strengthening year-round economic activity is essential."
Ashley Harkness: "Branson is experiencing growth which brings both opportunity and responsibility. Infrastructure needs, responsible development and maintaining a strong tourism economy while also protecting the quality of life for residents are all important issues. We need to make sure our tax dollars are spent with great care, keeping the needs of our residents, small business owners and tourism industry always in mind. We need to ensure that our law enforcement and firefighters have everything they need to perform at 100%, not just a big, new facility. Also, our city continues to grow, and it will be critical to ensure that planning, communication and long-term decision-making keep pace with the growth of our community."
6. What are your plans to address these issues?
Ralph LeBlanc: "Public safety to continue supporting our police, fire and emergency services ensures that safety remains a constant, not a concern. My years as a Military Police in the U.S. Army have instilled in me insights and perspectives that I have been able to share with city administration so that as a community we remain steadfast in protecting our residents and visitors."
"Infrastructure and smart growth go hand and glove—we must continue investing in infrastructure while being strategic about development. That means planning ahead and not playing catching up. It is continuing to be smart about the investments we make in our community. It is one action to improve upon infrastructure; however, we must have the forethought to map out a logical plan as to how we are going to maintain the improvements for years to come."
"Economic expansion and stability could be our Achilles Heel, as diverse and unique as Branson is, it does come with challenges. The topography of our area is the number one challenge that investors and developers experience. We have evaluated our economic development incentives in the past two years so that we are very familiar with the tools that we can use to help get new and existing development over the line and these dreams become realities to enhance our community for years to come. And, of course, we will continue to support existing businesses and attract new opportunities, so that we can stabilize and grow our economy year round."
Ashley Harkness: "My approach will be centered on listening, collaboration, accountability and common sense solutions."
"Strong communities are built when city leaders work together with residents, local businesses and industry professionals to make thoughtful, well informed decisions. I want to help ensure that Branson continues to grow in a way that supports our economy while also preserving the character and livability that residents value."
7. What are your core values? How will those values affect you in the position on the Board?
Ralph LeBlanc: "My core values are simple: faith, family and responsibility. Those aren't just personal beliefs, they're guiding principles. Being raised in a Christian Conservative Republican family, those values have always been very clear to me in my life. They shape how I lead, how I decide and how I serve. When your values are clear, your decisions become clearer. You don't waver based on pressure—you stand steadfast based on principle and that consistency builds trust."
Ashley Harkness: "Faith, integrity, service and accountability are values that guide my life and my work. I am a law-abiding Conservative Christian. I have served my community and others with everything that I am. I firmly believe that when you want to see change, you need to step up and be the change that you want to see. My core values give me the strength and courage to stand up for others, their voices and for what is right. Those values mean being honest, listening to others and remembering that leadership is about serving the community, rather than personal gain or recognition. When elected, I will approach every decision with those principles in mind."
8. How will you handle concerns/ideas from area residents?
Ralph LeBlanc: "Listening isn't a formality. Every concern, every idea, every perspective matters. But, listening alone isn't enough. Action builds credibility. When residents speak, they should see results."
Ashley Harkness: "Listening will always come first. Residents deserve to be heard by their elected officials. Resident concerns and ideas deserve careful consideration. I will remain accessible, accountable and open to conversations with citizens across the community. Some of the best ideas for improving our city come directly from the people who live and work here every day."
9. What else would you like our readers to know about you?
Ralph LeBlanc: "Leadership is ultimately about trust. It's about knowing that the person representing you will stand firm, think clearly and act decisively. That is the kind of leadership that the Branson Firefighters Local 152 looks for when they toe the line with a candidate running for public office. I am honored to say that I am the only candidate that they have endorsed in this municipal election. I also received the endorsement of the Taney County Republican Assembly. I have gained these endorsements by staying true to who I am and the values that our community holds dear. That's the standard I've set for myself and it's the standard I will continue to uphold. Branson is a special place and its future deserves thoughtful, experienced and committed leadership. I have always led with Real Ideas, Real Results."
Ashley Harkness: "At the end of the day, this campaign is about service. Branson is the community that raised me. I have lived here for 32 years and often haven’t felt that I have had a voice. I want to be a voice for others that also brings fresh perspectives, accountability and new ideas to help our city thrive. I care deeply about our future and want to help ensure Branson remains a strong and safe place for families, businesses, my daughter, son and all our visitors, too."
Both candidates were asked to encourage our readers to visit the polls on Tuesday to cast their votes.
Ralph LeBlanc: "I don't take this role lightly. I understand what's at stake and I approach every decision with awareness. If you believe in steady leadership, clear values and forward progress then I ask for your support on April 7. Because together, we don’t just maintain Branson, we create a legacy for many generations to experience and enjoy."
Ashley Harkness: "This campaign isn't about politics—it's about serving the community. Ward three voters haven't had a choice about who represents them at City Hall since 2022. This time, you have a choice to have a voice! Local elections are often decided by very few votes, so your vote can make a big difference. Vote Ashley Harkness on April 7 at the Branson United Methodist Church."
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