Tax Levy Question Campaign FAQ

Basic Proposition Information

Q1: What is the Tax Levy Question?

A1: The "Question" is a ballot measure on November 4, 2025, asking voters to approve a 25-cent operational tax rate increase per $100 of assessed valuation to support the Nixa Fire Protection District. This would be the first operational tax increase in over 20 years.

Q2: How much will this cost me?

A2: For a home "Assessor appraised" at $200,000: $7.92 per month ($95 annually). For a home "Assessor appraised" at $300,000, the monthly payment is $11.88 ($142.50 annually). The calculation is based on the 19% residential assessment rate.

Q3: When was the last tax increase?

A3: The last operational tax increase was approved in 2003, over 20 years ago. Since then, emergency calls have increased by 229% while we've maintained the same basic funding level.

Addressing Opposition Concerns

Q4: My taxes are already too high - I can't afford another increase.

A4: This is the first operational increase request in over 20 years, showing our fiscal restraint. The school district recently received $47 million - we're asking for much less. Poor fire protection could increase your homeowner's insurance by $200-500 annually, making this essentially revenue-neutral. At $7.92/month for a $200,000 assessor appraised home, this costs less than a streaming service subscription.

Q5: Why can't you use existing funds more efficiently?

A5: 80% of our current budget already goes to personnel costs - there are few reserves for major equipment needs. We operate with only 38 sworn firefighters serving 33,646 residents - an extremely lean operation. We've secured over $2.8 million in federal, state, and local grants since 2003 to stretch tax dollars. Equipment costs have risen 63% since 2020 alone, far outpacing our current budget capacity.

Q6: Why is this needed now? What's the emergency?

A6: Emergency calls have increased by 229% since 2006, while staffing remains essentially the same. We've experienced 40% firefighter turnover in 3 years due in part to non-competitive wages. Critical equipment is failing: our 1996 rescue truck is 29 years old and past replacement. Over 1,000 new housing units are under construction, adding an estimated 15-20% more emergency calls.

Q7: Isn't this just government waste and empire building?

A7: We serve 53 square miles with only 38 sworn firefighters - among the leanest operations in the region. Every bond project has been completed as promised, on time, and under budget. We haven't asked for operational funding increases for over 20 years. Our administrative overhead is minimal - nearly all funds go directly to emergency services.

Financial Details

Q8: This seems like a lot of money - where exactly will it go?

A8: 61% will fund additional personnel (firefighters, captains, and an additional fire inspector). 39% will fund equipment replacement and capital improvements. Specific needs include replacing our 1996 rescue truck ($800K+), Station improvements: Station 2 roof/HVAC, Station 4 security/maintenance, and modern protective equipment to reduce firefighter cancer risk.

Q9: Why 25 cents specifically? Why not less?

A9: 25 cents is the minimum needed to address critical staffing and equipment needs. This amount provides sustainable funding for personnel and capital expenses. Conservative projections show this will meet needs through 2035. A smaller increase would require coming back to voters sooner.

Q10: Will this money stay in Nixa or go to the county?

A10: 100% of the tax funds stay with the Nixa Fire Protection District. These are local tax dollars for local emergency services. The district operates independently from county government. All expenditures are subject to local board oversight and public meetings.

Q11: Didn't Nixa just pass a PUBLIC SAFETY TAX?

A11: Yes, the City of Nixa did pass a "Public Safety" tax. However, this was for law enforcement inside the City of Nixa. We are a separate government entity and do not share funds. The City of Nixa does not provide fire services, just the Nixa Fire District.

Service & Operations

Q12: Don't you have enough firefighters already?

A12: National standards (NFPA 1710) require 15-17 firefighters for structure fire response. We cannot meet these safety standards with existing staffing. 40% turnover in 3 years has depleted our experienced personnel. Additional staffing enables a response to multiple simultaneous emergencies.

Q13: Why do we need an additional fire inspector?

A13: Fire prevention saves lives and reduces property damage. Business inspections ensure compliance with fire codes. Educational programs in schools teach fire safety to children. Prevention activities reduce the number of emergency calls. A fire inspector pays for themselves through reduced losses and insurance claims.

Q14: What happens if this doesn't pass?

A14: Continued loss of experienced firefighters to better-paying departments. Increased equipment failures and longer response times. Potential reduction in specialized services (water rescue, technical rescue). Risk of poor ISO rating, increasing insurance costs for all residents.

Accountability & Transparency

Q15: How can we be sure this money will be spent properly?

A15: All district meetings are open to the public with published agendas. Annual budgets and financial reports are public documents. Board meetings include regular financial reporting. Citizens can request information under Missouri's Sunshine Law. Our 20+ year track record demonstrates responsible fiscal management.

Q16: What oversight exists for this spending?

A16: A five-member elected board provides citizen oversight. Annual independent financial audits are conducted. Public meetings allow citizen input on all major decisions. Continuing messaging to taxpayers on fund utilization and performance metrics.

Q17: How long would this tax increase last?

A17: This is a permanent operational levy increase. Funds are subject to annual budget approval and public oversight. Future boards could reduce the rate if circumstances change. This provides stable, long-term funding for essential services.

Voting Information

Q18: What exactly will be on the ballot?

A18: Question: "Shall the Board of Directors of the Nixa Fire Protection District be authorized to levy an additional tax of not more than twenty-five cents ($0.25) on the one hundred dollars ($100.00) assessed valuation to provide funds for the support of the District?"

Q19: What's required for this to pass?

A19: Simple majority (more than 50% of votes cast). Only district residents can vote on this measure. Early voting available October 22 - November 2. Election Day is November 4, 2025.