Proposition Fire

How much will I save if Proposition Fire passes on April 7th?

The amount residents save on their property taxes if this proposition passes will vary by household, but based on 2025 data, the average homeowner in our district is projected to save $75 to $100 annually on their property taxes. For a more detailed estimate, we recommend utilizing the property tax calculator attached below.

Don’t you already collect sales tax?

Yes, High Ridge Fire Protection District voters approved a similar proposition approximately 20 years ago, passing it by a 2-1 margin. As a result, the High Ridge Fire Protection District has rolled back its property tax levy every year since the proposition passed, resulting in over $16 million of property tax savings for district residents.

Now, due to recent legislation at the state level, High Ridge Fire Protection District residents have the opportunity to approve an additional ½ percent sales tax, which will double their property tax savings.

How is the High Ridge Fire Protection District currently funded?

The High Ridge Fire Protection District currently uses a combination of property and sales tax for funding. Should Proposition Fire pass on April 7th, it will increase the percentage of our budget that is funded directly through sales tax and decrease the percentage supported through property taxes. 

What makes sales tax more fair than property tax?

While property taxes are collected solely from residents who either rent or own a home, or own a vehicle, sales tax is pulled from all taxable purchases across the district, from both residents and visitors. This means that every shopper who passes through the High Ridge Fire Protection District and makes a purchase at a restaurant, local shop, or big-box store will contribute to the cost of supporting local emergency services.

Missouri exempts sales tax on over 200 types of purchases. The full list can be found at dor.mo.gov.

Examples of exempt purchases:

• Gasoline / Diesel Fuel
• Qualifying Grocery Purchases
• Prescription Medications and Various Medical Equipment
• Many Agricultural Products

Get a detailed estimate on your property tax reduction by letting our user-friendly calculator run the numbers for you.

Current Assessed Home Value

This can be found on your property tax receipt, or you can look up your property’s assessed valuation through Jefferson County’s website - Jefferson County Property Tax Inquiry
Note: This is not the same as the value you believe your home is worth if sold

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Your Estimate

Total Estimated Property Tax to High Ridge Fire Protection District: If Proposition Fire is approved on April 7th, your property taxes would be reduced by this amount (estimated based on the most recent sales tax figures): To spend the additional amount saved from Proposition Fire, you would have to make purchases of eligible items (excluding exempt purchases listed above) that total more than this amount:

Due to voter approval of 1/2 cent sales tax in 2006, residents already receive a reduction in property taxes. The savings listed above reflect additional, new savings if Proposition Fire is approved.

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As our call volume and operational expenses increase each year, Proposition Fire will help support future growth and ensure the High Ridge Fire Protection District fulfills its mission to keep our residents safe through a variety of methods, including:

• Public safety education programs
• Continuous advanced training for fire service personnel
• Maintain advanced emergency response capabilities our residents expect

This investment ensures all requested emergency services fit within budgetary parameters and helps distribute those costs to both residents and visitors of the High Ridge Fire Protection District.

If you are a resident of the North Jefferson County Ambulance District or Big River Ambulance District, additional property tax reductions are available via Proposition EMS.