Jim Britt wins Presiding Commissioner race in Primary

Jim Britt will become Ozark County’s next presiding commissioner after receiving the most votes in the Aug. 4 Republican primary election.

Britt, a lifelong Gainesville resident and former Missouri State Highway Patrol officer, received 1,293 votes in the three-way race. John Turner received 679 votes, while Randy Riffey received 106, according to unofficial election results.

With no Democratic, Libertarian, independent or other party candidate filing for the November General Election, Britt is set to take over the presiding commissioner’s position from current Presiding Commissioner Terry Newton, who chose not to seek another term because of medical issues he’s endured.

The county commissioners told the Times that Britt will officially take the presiding commissioner’s position Jan. 1, 2027. Until then, Terry Newton will continue in that position. 

Britt’s election will also create a vacancy in his current position as Ozark County’s eastern district commissioner.

According to the commissioners, the Ozark County Republican Party will make a recommendation to the governor sometime after the Nov. 3 General Election for a candidate to fill the remainder of Britt’s eastern district term. The governor will then appoint an individual to serve in the position.

Britt brings nearly three decades of public service experience to the presiding commissioner’s office.

A lifelong Gainesville resident and 1990 Gainesville High School graduate, Britt earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in criminal justice from Mineral Area College in 1996. Later that year, he began his career with the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

He retired from the Patrol in 2024 after 28 years of service, including 22 years as the Troop G/Zone 5 assistant zone supervisor, where he served the citizens of Ozark and Douglas counties.

During his law enforcement career, Britt completed hundreds of hours of specialized training and continuing education, developing experience in leadership, communication and decision-making.

His public service has also extended beyond law enforcement. Britt previously served on the Gainesville School Board and currently serves on the White River Valley Electric Cooperative Board of Directors, where he has received training in financial oversight and fiduciary responsibility. He also currently serves as Ozark County’s eastern district commissioner.

In announcing his candidacy, Britt said public service has been the foundation of his adult life and that he returned to Ozark County as a Highway Patrol trooper in 2001 because he wanted to serve the community where he was raised.

“That commitment to the people of Ozark County has never changed, and I want to continue serving them,” he said.

Britt said his experience in law enforcement taught him the importance of listening, gathering information and making well-informed decisions, an approach he said he carries into his work as a county commissioner.

“My experiences have taught me the value of integrity, fiscal responsibility and working collaboratively to solve problems,” he said. “I believe the most effective leadership is built on a ‘us and we’ approach rather than an ‘I and me’ approach, always putting the best interests of the people and community first.”

As presiding commissioner, Britt will work with the eastern and western district commissioners to oversee county government, including county finances, roads, buildings and other county operations.

He said his experience as eastern district commissioner and as a member of the White River Valley Electric Cooperative board has strengthened his understanding of financial oversight, long-term planning and responsible stewardship of public resources.

“Effective leadership begins with listening, treating people with respect, working collaboratively and making thoughtful decisions that serve the best interests of all the citizens of Ozark County,” Britt said.