Proposition F shifts a portion of revenues for fire protection and EMS services.
Proposition F is not a bond and does not create debt, and it has a built in 50% reduction for property owners.
It authorizes a 1% local sales tax within the Metro West Fire Protection District.
Missouri law then requires the district to reduce property tax collections each year by 50% of the previous year’s sales tax revenue. If approved, this will take place in the budget following one full year of sales tax collections when the tax rate is set. For Metro West, that will be reflected in the 2028 property taxes levied at year-end.
This reduction applies to both real estate and personal property taxes.
The purpose is to shift part of the funding responsibility from property owners alone to a broader base that includes visitors, commuters, and shoppers who also benefit from the district’s emergency services.
Property tax reductions are required by state law.
After the first full year of sales tax collection, Missouri law requires the district to reduce property tax collections levied in the annual budget.
The required reduction equals 50% of the previous year’s sales tax revenue.
- Example:
If $1 million in sales tax were collected in one year, the district would be required to reduce property tax collections by $500,000 the following year. Because sales tax revenue varies depending on economic activity, the law establishes a formula rather than a fixed number for the reduction.
Strengthening how fire and EMS services are funded
Metro West Fire Protection District has built a strong financial foundation through responsible governance and conservative budgeting. We currently hold a AAA bond rating (similar to a very high credit score) due to our fiscal responsibility.
While the district maintains strong reserves, disciplined apparatus replacement planning, and limited debt, and follows nationally recognized financial best practices, Prop F will provide continued stability in our revenues for future needs and projected growth.
Prop F is not about correcting financial problems. It is about maintaining reliable emergency service while balancing how the community funds it.
The proposal protects emergency services into the future.
Emergency calls continue to increase across the region. Proposition F helps maintain the staffing, response times, and equipment necessary to respond quickly and effectively when residents call for help. This includes firefighter and paramedic staffing, EMS delivery, and scheduled equipment replacement.
Reliable emergency response depends on stable long-term funding.
The goal is a balanced funding model.
Today, fire protection services are funded primarily through property taxes (real estate and personal property).
Proposition F will implement a tested shared funding model in which both property and sales taxes support emergency services. This approach allows non-residents who shop, work, or travel through the district to contribute to the services they rely on during emergencies.
The goal is to reduce long-term reliance on property taxes while maintaining strong fire and EMS service for the community.
Proposition F
- Maintain reliable fire and EMS service.
- Reduce long-term reliance on property taxes.
- Create a more balanced and stable funding model for the community we serve.
Steady governance. Responsible planning. Service first.
Absentee and Early Voting Information
Residents who are unable to vote at their polling place on Election Day may be eligible to vote absentee. Missouri law allows absentee voting for several reasons, including being out of the area on Election Day, illness or disability, religious observance, or being a registered voter age 65 or older.
St. Louis County also offers no-excuse absentee voting during the two weeks prior to the election, allowing voters to cast their ballots early without providing a reason.
Absentee ballots can be requested in person or by mail through the St. Louis County Board of Elections.
For complete information on eligibility, locations, deadlines, and voting procedures, please visit the official St. Louis County Board of Elections webpage.
Learn more about absentee and early voting: https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-government/board-of-elections/elections/absentee-voting/
