What is Proposition FIRE?
Proposition FIRE is a ballot measure that proposes a one-percent sales tax to support emergency services while requiring an annual reduction in property tax collections equal to 50 percent of the prior year’s sales tax revenue.
The measure is designed to diversify funding for Central County Fire & Rescue, helping maintain emergency response capabilities, support training and equipment needs, and sustain service levels as the community grows—while shifting a portion of the funding responsibility from property taxes to sales tax.
How does Proposition FIRE change the way emergency services are funded?
Proposition FIRE diversifies the funding model for emergency services by adding a one-percent sales tax as a new revenue source. Under the measure, property tax collections would be reduced each year by an amount equal to 50 percent of the prior year’s sales tax revenue, shifting a portion of the financial burden away from property owners.
This approach is enabled by Missouri legislation enacted in August 2025 and represents a departure from the previous structure in St. Charles County, where fire protection districts relied solely on property tax funding to support operations.
What would sales tax funding be used for?
Sales tax funding would provide a stable revenue stream to sustain and enhance emergency response capabilities within the community. These funds would support the preservation of existing infrastructure and assets—including fire stations, apparatus, and specialized equipment—while ensuring they remain operational, safe, and effective.
Additionally, the revenue would be allocated toward continuous firefighter and paramedic training, lifecycle replacement of protective gear and critical equipment, and routine maintenance of stations, rescue tools, and medical resources to uphold service readiness and performance standards.
How does this proposal help keep Central County Fire & Rescue ready to respond?
This proposal supports response readiness by helping ensure the personnel, apparatus, and equipment required for emergency operations remain properly staffed, maintained, and current. Reliable funding allows for continued training, timely replacement of protective gear and vehicles, and upkeep of critical tools and facilities.
HOW THE SALES TAX WORKS
How does the sales tax work?
The sales tax would apply as a one-percent addition to eligible retail purchases made within the district’s boundaries. It is collected at the point of sale by retailers and remitted through the standard state and local sales tax collection process.
Revenue generated from the tax would fluctuate with economic activity and visitor spending, creating a funding source supported not only by residents but also by individuals who work, shop, or travel through the community. Under the proposal, a portion of this revenue would also be used to offset property tax collections in accordance with state law.
What purchases would the sales tax apply to?
The sales tax would apply to most taxable retail purchases made within the district, consistent with Missouri’s existing sales tax structure. This generally includes items such as merchandise, prepared food and beverages, and other goods subject to state and local sales tax.
Purchases that are already exempt under Missouri law—such as certain groceries, prescription medications, and other statutory exemptions—would remain exempt. The tax would be collected at the point of sale and remitted through the normal state and local sales tax system.
Who contributes through the sales tax?
Sales tax revenue is generated by anyone making taxable purchases within the district. This includes residents, visitors, commuters, and individuals who shop, dine, or conduct business in the community.
Because the tax is transaction-based, funding support is shared more broadly than property taxes alone, allowing those who benefit from local services while working, traveling, or visiting the area to contribute alongside residents.
Do other fire districts use sales tax revenue?
Yes. Sales tax funding is commonly used by fire and ambulance districts across Missouri and other states. State law permits voter-approved sales taxes for fire protection districts, and many departments already rely on this revenue to support operations, equipment replacement, and staffing.
These taxes help diversify funding sources beyond property taxes and allow both residents and visitors who make purchases in the community to contribute to the cost of emergency services.
How are property taxes reduced under this plan?
Under the plan, property taxes are reduced through a required offset tied to sales tax performance. Each year, property tax collections would be lowered by an amount equal to 50 percent of the prior year’s sales tax revenue.
This mechanism shifts a portion of funding from property taxes to sales tax while maintaining overall revenue needed for operations. The adjustment is recalculated annually, meaning property tax reductions would vary based on actual sales tax collections from the previous year.
How does this plan make funding for emergency services more balanced?
The plan introduces sales tax as an additional revenue source, reducing reliance on property taxes alone. This creates a shared funding model where residents, visitors, and commuters who make purchases in the district all contribute to supporting emergency services.
How does the required property tax reduction work over time?
Each year, property tax collections are reduced by an amount equal to 50 percent of the prior year’s sales tax revenue. Because the reduction is recalculated annually, the property tax adjustment will fluctuate based on actual sales tax performance.
How does this plan help the district handle economic changes?
A mixed funding structure provides greater financial stability. Property taxes offer predictability, while sales tax reflects economic activity and growth, helping the district better adapt to changes in population, development, and call volume.
How much revenue would the district receive from the sales tax?
Revenue projections depend on local retail activity and economic conditions. Estimates are typically based on historical taxable sales within the district and may vary year to year as consumer spending changes.
How much will residents’ property taxes decrease if Proposition FIRE is approved?
Property tax reductions will vary annually because they are tied to actual sales tax collections. Under the proposal, property taxes would be lowered each year by an amount equal to 50 percent of the prior year’s sales tax revenue, meaning the precise reduction depends on realized sales tax performance.
ELECTION INFORMATION
When is election day?
Election Day is Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Who is eligible to vote?
Registered voters who reside within the district boundaries are eligible to vote on the measure.
When does absentee voting begin?
Absentee voting begins February 24 at the St. Charles County Election Authority office (397 Turner Blvd. St. Peters, MO 63376). Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
How can I vote no-excuse absentee?
Absentee Voting begins on March 24. The Election Authority office (397 Turner Blvd.
St. Peters, MO 63376) will be open for No-Excuse Absentee Voting Feb. 24 through April 6, 2026
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Saturday, April 4.
Where can I find information about where or how to vote?
For polling locations, voter registration information, absentee voting details, and other election information, visit the St. Charles County Election Authority website.
How will the question appear on the ballot?
Shall Central County Fire & Rescue, a fire protection district, impose a sales tax of one percent for the purpose of providing revenues for the operation of the Central County Fire & Rescue, a fire protection district, and the total property tax levy on properties in the Central County Fire & Rescue, a fire protection district, shall be reduced annually by an amount which reduces property tax revenues by an amount equal to fifty percent of the previous year’s revenue collected from this sales tax?
☐ YES ☐ NO
If you are in favor of the question, place an “X” in the box opposite “YES”.
If you are opposed to the question, place an “X” in the box opposite “NO”