Prop. FIRE Frequently Asked Questions
On April 7, 2026, voters in the O’Fallon Fire Protection District will consider Proposition FIRE, a one-percent sales tax paired with state-required property tax relief.
ABOUT PROPOSITION FIRE
What is Proposition FIRE?
Proposition FIRE would create a one-percent sales tax within the O’Fallon Fire Protection District dedicated to fire, rescue, and emergency medical services, allowing visitors and shoppers to help share the cost.
Under Missouri law, if approved, the District must reduce its property tax collections each year by 50 percent of the sales tax revenue generated in the previous year.
Why is the District proposing this funding approach now?
Emergency services are essential to keeping our community safe. As the community grows, calls for service continue to increase.
Maintaining fast response times requires ongoing investment in training, protective equipment, emergency vehicles and essential tools.
Proposition FIRE is designed to:
- Protect the quality of our emergency services
- Keep firefighter/paramedics ready to respond
- Use a balanced funding approach that includes both sales tax and reduced property tax
The goal is simple: when someone in our community calls 911, help arrives quickly, properly equipped, and ready to protect lives and property.
How does Proposition FIRE change the way emergency services are funded?
Proposition FIRE introduces a one-percent sales tax and requires an annual reduction in property tax collections equal to 50 percent of the prior year’s sales tax revenue. This is made possible by new Missouri legislation that went into effect in August 2025.
Until now, fire protection districts in St. Charles County could only receive tax funding from local property taxes.
What would sales tax funding be used for?
Sales tax revenue would maintain the quality of emergency services in our community and protect the investment that has already been made in fire stations, vehicles, and equipment.
It would fund ongoing firefighter and paramedic training, replace gear and equipment that wear out over time, and ensure fire stations, rescue tools, and medical equipment remain in good working condition.
How does this proposal help keep O’Fallon Fire ready to respond?
Maintaining fast response times requires trained personnel, properly maintained vehicles, up-to-date protective gear, and reliable equipment. Proposition FIRE provides a funding structure designed to help maintain readiness as the community grows and call volume increases.
HOW THE SALES TAX WORKS
How does the sales tax work?
If approved, one cent would be added to every dollar spent on taxable retail purchases within the O’Fallon Fire Protection District.
For example:
- A $10 purchase would include a dime in sales tax.
- A $100 purchase would include $1.
By law, after the first full year of sales tax collection, the District must reduce property tax collections by an amount equal to half of the sales tax revenue collected the previous year. That adjustment happens annually based on actual revenue.
What purchases would the sales tax apply to?
The sales tax would apply to retail purchases subject to Missouri sales tax law.
Who contributes through the sales tax?
Anyone who makes a taxable retail purchase within the district contributes.
That includes:
- Residents
- Visitors
- Commuters
- Shoppers passing through
This approach broadens the funding base so that those who use OFPD services would help provide funding.
Do other fire districts use sales tax revenue?
Missouri first authorized some fire and ambulance districts to propose a sales tax in 2002. Since then, districts across the state have adopted this funding approach. Recent updates to state law expanded eligibility, allowing districts in St. Charles County to place this type of proposal before voters. Proposition FIRE reflects that updated state authority and allows local voters to decide whether this funding structure makes sense for our community.
How are property taxes reduced under this plan?
Missouri law requires the District to reduce property tax collections annually by 50 percent of the sales tax revenue collected in the prior year.
The District must collect a full year of sales tax revenue before calculating the first reduction. After that, property tax rates adjust each year based on actual collections.
The reduction is required by law and occurs automatically once revenue is known.
FUNDING & FINANCE
How does this plan make funding for emergency services more balanced?
Property taxes currently place the primary responsibility for funding emergency services on property owners. This plan creates balance by including those who shop, work, and travel within the district in contributing to emergency services. It shares responsibility while maintaining the level of protection residents expect.
How does the required property tax reduction work over time?
The property tax reduction is written into Missouri law. Each year, the District must lower property tax collections by an amount equal to half of the previous year’s sales tax revenue. After the first full year of sales tax collection, the rate adjusts annually based on actual revenue.
How does this plan help the district handle economic changes?
The District uses long-term budgeting and maintains reserves to help manage changes in revenue. If sales tax collections fluctuate, property tax rates may adjust within legal limits to maintain emergency response capabilities. In stronger economic years, property tax reductions may increase. This flexibility helps maintain readiness in changing economic conditions.
How much revenue would the district receive from the sales tax?
Proposition FIRE would create a one-percent sales tax on taxable purchases made within the district. The total amount collected will depend on the amount of taxable sales that happen in the district each year. Because spending levels can change, the total revenue will vary from year to year.
Under Missouri law, if the sales tax is approved, the district must reduce its property tax collections by half the revenue generated by the sales tax. This means the sales tax replaces a portion of property tax funding. It also allows visitors and non-residents who make purchases in the district to contribute to funding emergency services.
How much will residents’ property taxes decrease if Proposition FIRE is approved?
If Proposition FIRE is approved, Missouri law requires the district to reduce its property tax collections by an amount equal to half of the sales tax revenue
The exact decrease for an individual property owner will depend on the total sales tax revenue collected districtwide and the assessed value of their property.
Because sales totals and property values can change, the exact dollar amount will vary. However, the required structure is clear. Half of all sales tax revenue must be used to reduce property tax collections.
ELECTION INFORMATION
When is the election?
Election Day is Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Who is eligible to vote?
All registered voters residing within the O’Fallon Fire Protection District are eligible to vote.
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
When is Election Day?
Election Day is Tuesday, April 7.
Polls are open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
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 the O'Fallon Fire Protection District impose a sales tax of one percent for the purpose of providing revenues for the operation of the O'Fallon Fire Protection District and the total property tax levy on properties in the O'Fallon 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?