The Mehlville Fire Protection District Board of Director’s set the district’s 2023 tax rates Sept. 27.

According to Chief Financial Officer Brian Bond, the 2023 assessed values reflect a $418 million increase in assessed values compared to the previous year. Odd number years are reassessment years. Budget forecasts show a $2.382 million increase in total revenue from the previous year’s budget, Bond said.

The new rates are as follows, per $100 of assessed evaluation:

• Residential — $0.643, a $0.077 decrease from 2022.

• Agricultural — $1.1589, a $0.001 decrease from 2022.

• Commercial — $0.901, a, $0.010 decrease from 2022.

• Personal property — $1.068, no change from last year.

• Blended — $0.75, a $0.060 decrease from 2022.

Bond said that $4.397 million will be transferred to the fire district’s capital fund to address capital projects such as: $3 million for future engine houses, $500,000 for a one-half pumper purchase, $305,000 for an ambulance, $224,000 for fire and EMS equipment, $150,000 for future radio replacement, $105,000 for two staff vehicles, $50,000 for aerial apparatus reserve and $50,000 for self-contained breathing apparatus replacement.

Another $1.144 million will be transferred to the pension fund.

In 2024, salaries will increase by 5%, as well as staffing additions for two vacancies, said Bond.