City of Republic

The Republic Historical Society has had a museum space on the town’s historic Main Street since 1997. Now, with property donated by the city, they have plans for a new building they hope will be an anchor for revitalization in what was once the center of town.

The deal would build on work done by Southwest Missouri Water, a coalition of local water interests warning water needs will outpace current systems in the coming decades.

The projected cost of the project, expected to meet Republic's needs for 25 years, is $150 million.

New mayor Eric Franklin and new councilmembers Daniel Harter and Justin Shaw were also sworn in during Tuesday's meeting.

If approved the average water customer would first see their effects in Feb. 2025. The city says the average customer could expect to see a $6 to $12 dollar increase in their monthly water bill.

Council will ask voters to decide on implementing a 3% sales tax on adult-use recreational marijuana and decide on six changes to the city charter.

Over 200 acres northeast of Republic may soon become the Garrett Farm Planned Development District.

Completed applications will be accepted until Friday, August 25, at 3 p.m.

A question on next week’s ballot in Republic would extend an existing quarter-cent capital improvements sales tax and allow it to be used for more…