As part of the Mehlville Fire Protection District’s yearly tax rate updates, a preliminary budget is developed with the final budget to be approved in December.

Chief Financial Officer Brian Bond presented the preliminary budget at the Sept. 22 Board of Directors meeting. 

No voluntary reductions in tax rates were proposed for next year and $1 million dollars would move from the general fund to the capital fund to address capital replacement and equipment procurement. 

The pension fund would see a boost, with $1.2 million moving from the general fund to address shortfalls in the pension plan.

Pay rates will increase based on the 12-month consumer price index and CCP certification pay will increase from $4,000 to $7,000. Unscheduled overtime will be based on Employee Manual of Policies and Procedures changes.

Employee health insurance will increase by 20 percent. Workers compensation premiums may increase by 5-10 percent.

Dispatching fees will continue to increase based on a contract MFPD is locked into.

Bond said he recently learned of a possible $1 million expenditure to replace radios in the next few years. The expenditure isn’t confirmed yet.