Creve Coeur Fire Protection District
Proposition Fire
Cast your vote on April 7th, 2026
Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Find your nearest polling station here.
What Is Proposition Fire?
In the upcoming election on April 7th, 2026, Creve Coeur Fire Protection District is proposing the authorization of a one percent (1%) sales tax to support the District’s emergency services. The Missouri state statutes presently provide that, if the sales tax is approved by the voters, the District’s property levy will be reduced by 50 percent (50%) of the one percent (1%) sales tax collected in the prior year.
This Proposition is designed to diversify the funding of the Creve Coeur Fire Protection District and enables the District to maintain its emergency response capabilities, support regular training and equipment needs, and sustain the service levels as the community continues to grow. The Proposition in effect shifts a portion of the funding responsibility as will be further explained below.
What Does Proposition Fire Do?
If authorized, Proposition FIRE will diversify the funding model for District emergency services by this one-percent (1%) sales tax as a new revenue source. It would shift the financial burden, which presently rests solely on District property owners, to include individuals who live, work, and/or visit the District and make a taxable purchase.
This approach is enabled by Missouri legislation enacted in August 2025 and represents a departure from the previous structure utilized in St. Louis County, where fire protection districts relied solely on property tax funding to support operations.
How Will The Proposition Be Worded On The Ballot?
The following is the language of the Proposition on the Ballot:
“Shall the Creve Coeur Fire Protection District impose a sales tax of one percent for the purpose of providing revenues for the operations of Creve Coeur Fire Protection District and the total property tax levy on properties in the Creve Coeur 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?”
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Proposition FIRE help keep the District ready to respond to emergencies?
Proposition Fire supports response readiness by ensuring that our personnel, equipment, and essential apparatus required for emergency operations are properly staffed, maintained, and up-to-date. Funding, as outlined in this measure, allows for regular training for our staff, timely replacement of protective equipment, and upkeep of critical tools and facilities.
How would the sales tax funding be used by the District?
Should Proposition FIRE be passed on April 7th, the allocated sales tax funding would provide a stable revenue stream to the Creve Coeur Fire Protection District and enhance our emergency response capabilities. The District would allocate these funds to the following:
-
Preservation of existing infrastructure and assets – fire stations, apparatus, and specialized equipment
-
Continuous training for firefighters and paramedics
-
Lifecycle replacement of protective gear and critical equipment
-
Routine maintenance of our stations, rescue tools, and medical resources
How does the shift to sales tax work?
As outlined in the ballot language, the sales tax would apply as a one percent (1%) additional tax to an eligible retail purchase made within the District’s boundaries. Revenue generated from the tax would fluctuate with economic activity and visitor spending, establishing a funding source supported not only by residents, but also by individuals who work, shop, or travel through the community.
Under the Proposition, this revenue would also be used to offset local property tax collections in accordance with state law as earlier described.
Do other fire districts use sales tax revenue?
Yes, this method of funding is commonly used among fire and ambulance districts across Missouri and several other states. State law permits voter-approved sales taxes for fire protection districts, and many departments already rely on this form of revenue to support their operations, equipment replacement, and staffing.
The use of these taxes helps to diversify funding sources beyond property taxes and allows both District residents and visitors to the District who make taxable purchases within the community to contribute to the cost of emergency services.
How much revenue will the District receive from sales tax?
District revenue projections are dependent on local retail activity and economic conditions. Our revenue estimates are typically based on historical taxable sales within the boundaries of the District and may vary annually as consumer spending changes.
How are property taxes reduced under this plan?
Property taxes are reduced through a required offset directly tied to the performance of sales tax collections from the prior fiscal year. Each year, property tax collections will be lowered by an amount equal to 50 percent of the prior year’s sales tax revenue. This measure shifts a portion of funding from property taxes to sales tax while maintaining the 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 much will residents’ property taxes decrease if Proposition FIRE is approved on April 7th?
The amount each District resident can expect to save on their property taxes will vary annually due to how the reductions are tied to annual sales tax collections.
How does Proposition FIRE help the District handle economic changes?
A mixed funding structure provides the District with a greater sense of financial stability. Property tax collection offers predictability, while sales tax collection reflects economic activity and growth throughout the District, helping the District to better adapt to changes in population, development, and call volume.
Where can I find answers to St. Louis County election FAQs?
You can find them here. If you have any trouble locating what you need or have additional questions, feel free to reach out. We’re happy to help!
