10/26/2026
GRAVOIS FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
SALES TAX PROPOSAL — NOVEMBER 3, 2026
MAINTAINING OUR SERVICES. SHARING THE COST.
Visitors use our emergency services, too. The proposed 1% sales tax—1¢ per $1 of taxable purchases within the District—would allow visitors to help fund those services alongside residents.
PROPERTY-TAX RELIEF IS PART OF THE MEASURE.
The District must reduce its property-tax revenue by an amount equal to 50% of the previous year’s sales-tax collections.
For every $100,000 collected in sales tax, District property-tax revenue would be reduced by $50,000 through a lower levy.
This does not mean your individual property-tax bill would be cut in half. Your savings would depend on your property’s assessed value and the adjusted District levy.
WHY IS ADDITIONAL FUNDING NEEDED?
Over the past ten years, we have controlled costs by not refilling 4 full-time positions and 1 part-time position through attrition, combining duties, and stretching existing resources. During that same period, call volume has doubled.
From 2017 to 2026, estimated operating property-tax revenue grew by approximately 2.8% annually. Rising costs outpaced that growth, leaving the District with nearly 7% less purchasing power, based on general inflation.
Here are just a few examples of the costs putting pressure on our budget:
• An engine purchased for $289,000 in 2007 would cost approximately $891,000 to replace today—more than three times the original price.
• Workers’ compensation insurance costs have increased by 114%—more than doubling.
• We are currently more than $5,000 over our fuel budget.
Our newest fire apparatus is a 2008 model. Maintaining dependable equipment requires a responsible plan for refurbishment and replacement.
HOW IS THIS DIFFERENT FROM THE APRIL PROPOSALS?
NEITHER THE APRIL 2025 BOND PROPOSAL NOR THE PROPERTY-TAX LEVY INCREASE PASSED.
The District did not receive the additional funding requested through either measure.
Although the bond received a majority of votes in favor, it did not reach the required supermajority and therefore failed. The bond proposal would have continued the existing debt-service levy. With its failure and the existing bond debt retiring, the District’s levy decreased by $0.18 per $100 of assessed valuation.
That reduction is separate from the property-tax relief included in this November sales tax proposal.
The April proposals focused on expanding and improving services. This November proposal focuses on maintaining the staffing, equipment, and emergency services we already provide.
WHAT WOULD THE FUNDING SUPPORT?
• Maintaining current staffing and emergency services.
• Addressing aging apparatus through refurbishment and replacement.
• Supporting our ability to maintain our current ISO fire protection rating.
WHAT WOULD IT COST?
• A $10 taxable purchase: 10¢ in additional sales tax.
• A $50 taxable purchase: 50¢ in additional sales tax.
• A $100 taxable purchase: $1 in additional sales tax.
Spending $500 a month on taxable purchases within the District would add $5 a month, or $60 a year, before any District property-tax reduction.
WHAT IF IT DOES NOT PASS?
The District will face operating reductions that are likely to have a negatively affect on our current ISO fire protection rating. Changes in fire protection and distance from a responding fire station can affect homeowners insurance premiums.
Depending on your property and insurer, an annual premium increase could exceed what this measure would cost you annually. Your individual impact depends on your taxable purchases, any District property-tax reduction, and your insurance coverage. Ask your insurance provider how changes in fire protection could affect you.
WANT TO LEARN MORE? JOIN US IN PERSON.
October 27, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
Laurie firehouse
215 Hwy O
October 28, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
Gravois Mills firehouse
26898 Highway 5
Both are in-person information meetings. Come ask questions and learn more about the proposal.
Call our office at 573-374-4442, email [email protected], or send us a message on Facebook.
Our goal is to maintain the people, equipment, and fire protection our community relies on while building a sustainable financial future.
Election Day: November 3, 2026.
Stay informed. Ask questions. Make an informed decision.
