Pettis County Fire Protection District #1

Community Information & April 7 Tax Levy Proposal

Q: What area does Pettis County Fire Protection District #1 serve?

A:

  • 346 square miles

  • Population served: 17,589

  • 9 fire stations located throughout the county

  • 44 pieces of apparatus

Note: This does not include the City of Sedalia or the Green Ridge, LaMonte, Hughesville, or Lake Creek Fire Protection Districts.

Q: What were the District’s 2025 service statistics?

A:

  • 640 total calls for service

    • 40 structure fires

    • No medical calls ran

  • 5,000 training hours completed

  • 27,750 feet of fire hose tested

  • 156 hydrants flow tested

Q: What is the current operating budget?

A:

  • Current tax levy: $0.002684 per $100 of assessed valuation

  • Current budget: $846,503.77

2025 Budget Breakdown:

  • $380,000 — Full-time & volunteer payroll expenses

  • $120,000 — Apparatus repair & maintenance

  • $135,000 — Liability & comprehensive insurance

  • $105,000 — Workers’ compensation

  • $70,000 — Operating expenses (fuel, electric, propane, natural gas, water)

  • $30,000 — Training

    • Volunteers trained to Firefighter I & II

    • Full-time personnel hold State Certification FF I & II

Q: Why is a tax levy increase being proposed?

A:
The District has not had a tax increase since 1976, when the original levy was set at $0.27 per $100 of assessed valuation.

To continue providing safe, effective fire protection and to meet modern safety standards, additional funding is necessary.

Q: What is being proposed on the April 7 ballot?

A:
An increase to $0.004684 per $100 of assessed valuation (a $0.20 increase).

If approved, the projected budget would increase to approximately $1,477,281.

This tax applies only to residents within the Pettis County Fire Protection District #1 — it does not include Sedalia or the Green Ridge, LaMonte, Hughesville, or Lake Creek districts.

Q: How would the additional funding be used?

A:

Staffing Improvements

  • Add full-time 24/7 staffing (2 personnel per shift) with volunteer backup

  • State Certification required

  • Payroll expenses would increase to approximately $825,000

Safety Equipment

  • Replace outdated SCBA equipment to meet current NFPA standards

    • Estimated cost: $1.2 million

Apparatus Replacement Needs

  • Pumper 9 (1992) — $500,000 replacement cost

  • Pumper 11 (1997) — $500,000 replacement cost

  • Tanker 9 (1994) — $450,000 replacement cost

    • Not NFPA compliant (not baffled)

    • Unsafe when loaded

Facility Improvements

  • Smithton Station — New station needed (current building too small)

  • Central Station (built 1976) — Roof replacement, insulation replacement, and exterior wall repairs

  • Station 3 – Longwood (built 1989) — Roof repair needed

  • Station 5 – V Highway (built 1989) — Roof repair needed

Ongoing Improvements

  • Continue advanced training as funding allows

  • Update additional equipment as funding allows

Q: Will the District be transparent about spending?

A:
Yes. Pettis County Fire Protection District #1 is committed to full transparency regarding budget, spending, and future needs.

Q: Who can I contact with questions?

A:
For accurate information, please call:
📞 660-826-9058

Q: What Would the Proposed Tax Levy Cost Me?

A:
The proposed levy would increase from $0.002684 to $0.004684 per $100 of assessed valuation.
That equals an increase of $0.002 per $100 of assessed valuation.
Below is an example calculation based on different assessed property values.
Current Levy:
$200,000 ÷ 100 = 2,000
2,000 × .002684 = $5.37 per year
Proposed Levy:
2,000 × .004684 = $9.37 per year
Difference:
$9.37 – $5.37 = $4.00 per year increase

Q: Is there a sunset Clause?

A:
No the District has not gone to the voters for a tax increase since 1976. Over the past 50 years, our community, call volume, and operational costs have changed significantly.

In 1976, Pettis County Fire Protection District #1 responded to approximately 50 calls per year. In 2025, the District responded to 640 calls. The population we protect has grown, homes are larger and built with modern materials that increase fire load and burn faster, and commercial and economic development has expanded throughout the district.

The cost of operations today is dramatically different than it was in 1976. Fuel, tires, apparatus maintenance, insurance, and equipment have all increased substantially. Modern fire apparatus and safety equipment are significantly more expensive but are necessary to meet today’s safety standards and operational demands.

The District is committed to being responsible with taxpayer dollars. Maintaining apparatus, facilities, and personal protective equipment (PPE) ensures that firefighters can safely protect the community — and return home safely to their families. Firefighting carries inherent risks, and safety must remain the highest priority.

Over the years, the Board of Directors has exercised due diligence in managing the District’s resources responsibly. This proposal reflects the reality of current service demands, safety requirements, and the continued growth of the community we are proud to serve.

Q: What is Pettis County’s Current ISO Rating?

A:
Currently Pettis County has an ISO rating of 5. for more information please call:
📞 660-826-9058