CALHOUN COUNTY VOTERS TO DECIDE ASSESSOR SELECTION AND KAMPSVILLE UTILITY BONDS ON NOVEMBER 3

HARDIN, Ill. — Voters in Calhoun County face two significant public questions in the November 3 general election, along with contested county commissioner races. One question concerns how the county’s assessor would be selected in the future; the other asks voters in the Village of Kampsville about bonds to finance water and sewer improvements.

The countywide advisory question asks whether Calhoun County’s supervisor of assessments should be appointed by the county board rather than elected by voters. A yes vote would express support for the appointed system described on the ballot; a no vote would express opposition to that proposed change. Because the measure is identified as advisory, its approval would not by itself establish that the office has automatically changed hands or that every legal step has been completed.

The Kampsville proposition asks whether the village should construct and equip improvements to its waterworks and sewerage system under Village Ordinance No. 2026-1 and issue waterworks and sewerage revenue bonds in an amount not exceeding $8 million.

Revenue bonds are generally repaid from revenue generated by the system for which they are issued rather than automatically from a new general property-tax levy. The precise repayment terms, utility-rate implications and other financing details would depend on the ordinance and any bonds actually issued. The ballot wording establishes an upper bond amount, not proof that the entire $8 million has already been borrowed or spent.

Calhoun voters also have two contested county board commissioner elections. Incumbent independent Deann J. Koster-Fester faces Democrat Platrick Klunk and Republican Michael Jason Leverich for a full six-year commissioner term. In a separate contest for an unexpired four-year commissioner term, Democrat Loren Kulp faces Republican Matthew Kamp.

Several other county offices are uncontested. County Clerk Amy Friedel and County Treasurer Lisa Roth, both Democrats, are seeking re-election without opponents. Republican Zach Hardin is running unopposed for sheriff after being appointed earlier this year to fill a vacancy created by former Sheriff Bill Heffington’s retirement.

Democrat John “Mac” Shoopman is also unopposed in the race for supervisor of assessments, replacing Jill Waldheuser, who is not seeking another term. The separate public question on how future assessors are chosen is distinct from the individual candidate on this year’s ballot.

The two questions apply to different voting populations: the assessor question appears across the county, while the water and sewer bond question is specific to Kampsville. Voters should consult the ballot for their own precinct and residence rather than assuming both questions appear on every ballot.

Early voting is available at the Calhoun County Clerk’s office, 301 South County Road in Hardin, on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with additional Saturday hours October 31 from 9 a.m. until noon, according to the published election guide. Early voting continues through November 2, and Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.

RiverNewsLive takes no position on the candidates or either ballot question. Voters should consult the official ballot and county election office.