Proposition P is a zero tax rate change bond proposal on the August 6 ballot. 

If approved by voters, it will provide funding to maintain emergency services by replacing outdated fire trucks and aging equipment, updating facilities and building a sixth fire station. This will allow us to keep our growing community and firefighters safe without a change in the tax rate.
 

In addition to the District’s trucks, other equipment — including our firefighter turnout gear and air-pack systems, known as SCBAs (self-contained breathing apparatus) — are due for replacement. Prop. P will also replace medical equipment and radios, and other essential technology. While the District has a thorough maintenance and repair program, equipment and facilities wear out and need repair or replacement. By addressing these challenges now, it will save money in the long run and ensure that firefighters have the equipment and facilities needed to keep our community safe. Through responsible financial planning, the District can provide these updates without changing the current tax rate.
 

As our community grows, so does its need for emergency services. We have seen dramatic growth since the last bond issue in 2014. Our District protects a total of 88 square miles, including the entire cities of Wentzville, Flint Hill and Josephville, and parts of O’Fallon, Dardenne Prairie, Foristell and Lake St. Louis. The City of Wentzville alone has seen a 46% increase in population since our last bond issue was passed in 2014. This increase in population is linked to a rise in emergency calls. In the past 10 years, we have seen a 52% increase in emergency responses.  

In addition to this growth, the needs of the community have changed. Compared to ten years ago, homes are larger, closer together and more complex, and modern batteries make car fires more dangerous. We have also seen an increase in the need for emergency medical response, fire response, technical rescues, car accidents and more.
 
If Prop. P is approved by the community, the District will :

• Replace its fleet of outdated fire trucks

• Replace aging firefighting gear and medical equipment

• Replace vital firefighting technology

• Provide additional training opportunities

• Update and maintain the District’s five fire stations

• Acquire land and build a sixth fire station​