Understanding the Tax Propositions on the April Ballot
This is a county-wide measure that would freeze property taxes for all homeowners, regardless of age.
1. Proposition RT
- How it works: Locks your property tax bill at its current level (the “Initial Credit Year”). If your home value goes up later, you get a tax credit to cover the difference.
- The Goal: Prevents homeowners from being “priced out” of their homes due to rising assessments.
- The Risk: 97% of property taxes go to schools*, libraries, and emergency services. Freezing the tax base makes it harder for these entities to keep up with inflation and growth.
2. Proposition EMS & Proposition FIRE
Because Prop RT (above) would freeze property tax revenue, fire and ambulance districts are asking for a Sales Tax to ensure they can still afford fuel, equipment, and staff.
| Measure | Who is asking? | The Swap |
| Proposition EMS | St. Charles County Ambulance District | Adds 1% Sales Tax (County-wide) to reduce property taxes by 50% of the revenue collected. |
| Proposition FIRE | Wentzville/O’Fallon/St. Peters/Lake St. Louis Fire Protection Districts | Adds 1% Sales Tax (Local) to reduce property taxes by 50% of the revenue collected. |
- Exemptions: These sales taxes DO NOT apply to groceries, gas, prescriptions, or utilities.
- The Strategy: Capture money from visitors and shoppers to lower the burden on local homeowners.