10/20/2025

Ozark's Transparency Wake-Up: CAFR Delays, Scanner Secrets, & Palantir Privacy Fight! πŸ“‹πŸ”’πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ


Ozark's Transparency Wake-Up: CAFR Delays, Scanner Secrets, & Palantir Privacy Fight! πŸ“‹πŸ”’πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ In this raw clip from the October 20, 2025, Ozark Board of Aldermen meeting, local resident and YouTuber Buddy Huggins calls out two big transparency red flags: The city's overdue Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports (CAFRs for FY23 and FY24—over 9 months late, risking grants and road funding under Missouri law RSMo § 105.145). Plus, the switch to encrypted police scanners blocking public access (violating Sunshine Law RSMo Chapter 610?), tied to Palantir's surveillance tech and Flock cameras costing $200K+ with privacy nightmares—heading to the Supreme Court! Buddy keeps it real: "It's for our benefit to hear during emergencies." Board responds with a meeting invite—progress? Watch the full exchange, from compliance pleas to scanner fixes. Ozark deserves open books and open airwaves—join the conversation! What's your take on local gov hiding the basics? #OzarkTransparency #SunshineLawFight Like & sub for more community spotlights! πŸ“Ί Blog: buddyhuggins.blogspot.com πŸš€πŸ’‘ #OzarkMO πŸ”’ #CAFRCompliance πŸ“Š #SunshineLawMO ⚖️ #PalantirPrivacy πŸ‘️ #FlockCamerasWatch #LocalGovFight πŸ›️ #BuddyHugginsTruth πŸ’ͺ #MissouriTransparency πŸ“‘ Keywords: ignore Ozark MO board meeting, CAFR non-compliance FY24, Missouri Sunshine Law scanners, Palantir surveillance Ozark, Flock cameras privacy, government transparency Missouri, police scanner encryption, Buddy Huggins public comments, Christian County grants risk, Supreme Court surveillance case



Dear Chandra Hodges,
I hope this email finds you well. My name is Buddy Huggins, a resident of Ozark, and I've appreciated the work you and the City Hall team do to keep our community running smoothly. As you know, I'm scheduled to speak during public comments at tonight's 6:30 PM Board of Aldermen meeting. To make my presentation as clear and respectful as possible, I've attached a one-page document with my talking points on two important transparency matters.

Would you be so kind as to print a few copies—one for each board member—and have one ready at the podium for me? It would help ensure everyone can follow along without any hassle. Thank you in advance for your support; it means a lot to folks like me who want to contribute positively to our great city.
I'm grateful for your time and the team's dedication. Looking forward to a productive meeting—let's keep Ozark shining!Warm regards,
Buddy Huggins

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Talking Points Document (One-Page Print-Friendly Format)Public Comments: Buddy Huggins – October 20, 2025 Board Meeting
Ozark, MO – Promoting Transparency for a Stronger Community

Good Evening, Board Members and Fellow Citizens,

Thank you for the opportunity to speak. I'm Buddy Huggins, a proud Ozark resident, and I value the work this board does to keep our city thriving. Tonight, I'd like to raise two quick, constructive points on transparency—both rooted in Missouri law. My goal is simple: Help us stay compliant and informed, because open government builds trust. I'll keep it brief.

1. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (CAFR) Compliance
Missouri law (RSMo § 105.145 and GASB Statement 34) requires cities like Ozark to publish an audited CAFR by December 31 each fiscal year, detailing how tax dollars are spent. Our FY2024 CAFR is now over 9 months late, with no update on the city website or state filings.

  • Why It Matters: This ensures accountability for grants, roads, and services we all rely on. Delays risk state audits or funding holds.
  • Question: Has the board discussed the delay, and what's the timeline for posting FY2024? I'm happy to help if needed—transparency benefits us all.
2. Public Access to Police/Fire Scanner Communications
Under the Missouri Sunshine Law (RSMo Chapter 610), public records—including law enforcement communications—are open unless exempted for security. The recent switch to encrypted scanners (possibly linked to Palantir) has blocked public monitoring via apps like Broadcastify, which we've used for years during emergencies.
  • Why It Matters: It balances safety with our right to know real-time public business (e.g., AG Opinion 200-94 on police reports). No public hearing was announced for the change.
  • Question: Can the board confirm if this complies with Sunshine Law, and consider a hearing for community input? Keeping folks informed strengthens our safety net.
Closing Thoughts
Ozark's a gem, and small steps like these keep it that way. I don't have all the answers—just a citizen's voice for openness. I'd love your thoughts and next steps. Thank you for your time and service.

Respectfully,
Buddy Huggins
Ozark Resident
buddyhuggins.com



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