What is the St. Paul Fire District Local Option Levy?

The St. Paul Fire District is proposing a local option levy of $1.08 per $1,000 of assessed property value to replace the district’s current operating levy, which expired November 2025. This measure ensures the district can continue providing high-quality fire, medical, and rescue services to our community.

Who Does the District Serve?

The St. Paul Fire District proudly serves an approximate 48-square-mile area, including the City of St. Paul and its surrounding communities.

What Services Does the District Provide?

• Emergency Response: First responder for fire, medical, and rescue emergencies.
• Fire Prevention: Programs to keep our community safe.
• Fire Investigations: Determining causes to prevent future incidents.
  Public Education: Teaching safety and preparedness.
• Non-Emergency Assistance: Supporting residents with community needs.

How is the District Currently Funded?

The district operates on a permanent property tax rate of $1.0622 per $1,000 of assessed value and revenue from ambulance transport fees. The previous operating levy, which has now expired, provided additional critical funding. Without a new levy, the district faces challenges meeting rising costs and equipment needs.

How Will Levy Funds Be Used?

If approved, the levy will provide critical funding to:

• Ensure 24/7 Paramedic Coverage: Continue funding part-time paid paramedics to be on duty at all times, working alongside volunteer EMTs for rapid emergency response.
• Replace Obsolete Apparatus: Upgrade aging fire and rescue vehicles with modern equipment featuring advanced safety and technology for firefighters and residents.
• Maintain the Fleet: Cover rising maintenance costs and secure parts for an aging fleet, ensuring reliability during emergencies.
• Purchase Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Replace expired turnout gear (with a 10-year lifespan) to keep firefighters safe while protecting our community.
• Upgrade EMS and Fire Equipment: Replace outdated equipment, like the LifePack Defibrillator Model 12, which is obsolete and critical for responding to motor vehicle crashes with multiple patients. Without replacements, delays in care could occur if mutual aid from neighboring agencies is needed.

What is the Cost to Taxpayers?

For a home with the median assessed value of $309,185, the levy would cost approximately:

• $309.19 per year, or
• ~$25.77 per month.

This levy replaces the expired operating levy, maintaining essential funding to keep our services strong without introducing a new tax burden beyond the previous level.

What Happens if the Levy is Not Approved?

If the levy does not pass, the St. Paul Fire District will struggle to:

• Fully fund increasing emergency response costs, especially without the expired levy’s support.
• Replace outdated equipment, risking delays in critical care.
• Maintain aging apparatus and protective gear, potentially compromising firefighter and resident safety.

While emergency response will remain the top priority, the district’s ability to provide timely, effective services could be significantly impacted without this funding.

The St. Paul Fire District is committed to keeping our community safe. This levy ensures we can maintain rapid, reliable emergency services and invest in the equipment needed to protect lives and property. Your vote determines whether we can continue to meet the growing needs of our community, from responding to motor vehicle crashes to ensuring firefighter safety. Remember to vote on Election Day, November 4, 2025.

Check the Marion County Elections website for full voter guide:

• Full Voter Guide (PDF)