Nixa Fire
Protection District
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Tax Levy Question

November 4, 2025

Protecting Our Community’s Future

Table of Contents

Our First Tax Increase Request
in Over 20 Years

The Nixa Fire Protection District has served our community with unwavering dedication for over two decades, without requesting an operational tax increase. As emergency calls have grown by 229% since 2006, we’ve stretched every dollar to maintain the high-quality service you deserve. Now, we need your support to ensure the safety of our community for the future.

What is the question?

This question will appear on your November 4, 2025 ballot as:

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?

  • Yes
  • No

A simple majority (more than 50% of votes cast) is required for passage.

The Facts: Why Now?

Dramatic Growth in Emergency Calls

  • 2006: 1,436 total calls
  • 2024: 4,725 total calls
  • EMS calls alone increased 221% – from 874 to 2,808 calls

Rising Costs, Stagnant Revenue

Since our last operational tax increase in 2003, essential costs have skyrocketed:

  • Fire engines: $200,000 more expensive than just two years ago
  • Protective gear: 63% cost increase since 2020
  • Helmets: From $248 to $370 (49% increase)
  • Boots: From $278 to $420 (51% increase)
  • Nomex hoods: From $68 to $138 (103% increase)

What Will the Levy Increase Cost You?

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.

Our Community, Our Responsibility

Service Area:

  • 53 square miles of protection
  • 33,646 residents served
  • 4 strategically located fire stations
  • 37 dedicated full-time firefighters and officers

Our Commitment:

For over 20 years, we’ve demonstrated fiscal responsibility by stretching every tax dollar. Unlike many districts, we respond to ALL emergency calls – not just life-threatening situations. We provide lift assists for elderly residents, respond to minor medical calls, and maintain the comprehensive service level our community expects.

Tax Levy Question Campaign FAQ

Comprehensive Answers to Community Questions & Opposition Concerns

Basic Proposition Information

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.

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.

Addressing Concerns

  • 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
  • We’ve demonstrated 20+ years of conservative financial management
  • At $7.92/month for a $200,000 assessor appraised home, this costs less than a streaming service subscription
  • 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
  • We’ve completed all bond projects under budget, demonstrating efficient use of funds
  • 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
  • Acting now costs less than waiting for a crisis – equipment prices are rising faster than inflation
  • 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
  • We’ve earned public trust through performance, not just promises
  • We already provide below the minimum safe staffing levels according to national standards
  • Unlike neighboring districts that only respond to life-threatening medical calls, we respond to ALL medical emergencies
  • Cutting services could result in a poor ISO rating, increasing everyone’s insurance
  • Professional fire protection is essential infrastructure, not a luxury service
  • Service cuts would reduce property values throughout the community
  • Our 53-square-mile district serves 33,646 residents – too large and busy for volunteer response
  • We handled 4,725 emergency calls in 2024 – volunteers cannot maintain this response level
  • Professional firefighters provide faster response times and higher skill levels
  • Volunteer departments struggle with recruitment and retention nationwide
  • Our professional service maintains ISO ratings that keep insurance costs low
  • Our firefighters earn approximately $10,000 less annually than some neighboring departments
  • This wage gap has contributed to a 40% turnover in just 3 years, losing experienced personnel
  • Competitive wages are essential to recruit and retain qualified emergency responders
  • Training a firefighter costs thousands of dollars – turnover wastes taxpayer money
  • You want experienced professionals responding when your family needs help
  • We already provide mutual aid and receive aid when needed
  • Consolidation would likely result in reduced service levels for Nixa residents
  • Our professional standards, expectations, and response capabilities exceed most neighboring districts
  • Consolidation often leads to station closures and longer response times
  • Nixa residents deserve dedicated fire protection, not shared resources
  • In the first few years 61% will fund additional personnel (firefighters, captains, and an additional fire inspector), and 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
  • Modern protective equipment to reduce firefighter cancer risk
  • We planned conservatively, stretching 2003 funding levels for over 20 years
  • The explosive growth in emergency calls (229% increase) exceeded all projections
  • Equipment cost inflation (63% since 2020) has outpaced general inflation
  • We’ve successfully managed with existing resources longer than most districts could
  • Good planning recognizes when circumstances change and adjustments are needed
  • 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
  • Inability to meet national safety standards for firefighter and community protection
  • This increase addresses our needs for the next 10+ years based on conservative projections
  • Our 20+ year track record shows we only ask when absolutely necessary
  • All spending will be subject to public oversight and annual reporting
  • We’ve demonstrated fiscal responsibility through multiple economic cycles
  • The board is committed to transparent financial management and public accountability

Detailed Financial Questions

  • 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
  • This level ensures we can maintain current service levels while accommodating growth
  • 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
  • Funds cannot be transferred to other governmental entities
  • 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
  • Most neighboring districts have had multiple tax increases in the past 20 years
  • Our total tax rate will still be competitive with similar districts
  • Many neighboring districts have lower expectations and provide fewer services than Nixa
  • Our service levels and response capabilities exceed most regional districts
  • This increase brings us in line with what modern fire protection costs

Service & Operational Questions

  • 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
  • Proper staffing protects both firefighters and community members
  • 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
  • Our 1996 rescue truck is 29 years old and beyond recommended replacement
  • Modern equipment provides better protection against firefighter cancer
  • New technology improves response capabilities and safety
  • Equipment failures during emergencies put lives at risk
  • Regular replacement is more cost-effective than emergency purchases

Transparency & Accountability

  • 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
  • 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
  • Yes, we commit to annual public reporting on all expenditures
  • Board meetings will include regular updates on fund utilization
  • Citizens can request detailed financial information at any time
  • Transparency builds trust and ensures accountability

Comparison & Context

  • Fire protection is a fundamental government responsibility and a public safety infrastructure
  • Emergency response affects everyone – you never know when you’ll need it
  • Strong fire protection maintains property values throughout the community
  • This is local funding for local services that directly benefit district residents
  • Public safety is the foundation that enables all other community activities
  • Most districts have had multiple increases in the past 20 years
  • Some districts provide fewer services than Nixa
  • Our comprehensive service model exceeds what many districts provide
  • We’ve managed 20+ years without increases – longer than most districts
  • Different districts face different growth patterns and service demands

Voting & Election Information

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?

  • 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
  • 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