What they are: Proposition S is a 25-cent property tax increase and Proposition P is a 5-cent property tax increase
What they will cost: If both tax measures were approved, once Proposition S were fully implemented, the district’s tax rate would increase by 30 cents overall to 96.01 cents per $100 assessed valuation.
The 25-cent increase would cost the owner of a $150,000 house an extra $71.25 a year, and the 5-cent increase would cost the same homeowner an extra $14.25 per year.
Vote needed to pass: Simple majority for each.
What they’re about: The 25-cent tax increase would be phased in and would provide revenue to upgrade equipment; the 5-cent increase would provide funding to improve the district’s pension plan.
The tax increase of 25 cents per $100 assessed valuation is called Proposition S and would be phased in, with a 15-cent increase the first year, followed by five-cent increases each of the following two years.
The 5-cent property tax increase is called Proposition P and would be used to better fund the pension plan for the district’s employees.
The district’s current tax rate is 66.01 cents per $100 assessed valuation.
Chief Brad Williams said the passage of Prop S would allow the district to buy and maintain trucks and other equipment.
“We just need additional revenue to continue operating the fire district,” he said. “We’ve got some aging equipment we need to replace.
“We’re not in the position where we have to cut things, but the cost of equipment repair and day-to-day operations is increasing just like for everyone else.”
By upgrading its equipment, the district could better ensure that its Insurance Service Office (ISO) rating remains low, which saves residents money, Williams said.
He said Prop P would significantly boost the pension system for paid employees.
“Right now, we have about a 5-cent tax rate. The state allows a district up to a dime per $100 assessed valuation.
“Proposition P is to make sure retired firefighters are taken care of. It would increase the amount in the fund and what firefighters would receive in retirement.”
The district covers about 22 square miles in Pevely and part of Herculaneum.