Fire Protection Sales Tax
on Ballot for November 2, 2021
The Professional Firefighters of Independence, IAFF Local 781, is asking for the citizens of Independence support by voting YES on the Fire Protection Sales Tax on November 2, 2021.
Countdown Until Election
Proposed use of Sales Tax Funds
Making improvements to Stations and Equipment
•Replace aging fire stations
•Replace aging fire apparatus
•Purchase life saving equipment
•Add new fire stations
•Add new fire apparatus
•Maintenance and repair expenses for equipment, apparatus and fire stations
Improve Staffing
•Hire additional firefighters to fully staff current positions and staff additional apparatus
•Hire additional administration positions to maintain proper span of control
•Hire additional personnel to improve department training and to maintain new technology
Why the Sales Tax being Considered
Since 1991, the Independence Fire Department has seen a 248% increase in Emergency and Non-Emergency calls. In the course of this time the department has seen a 7% decrease in staffing and a reduction to the apparatus responding to those calls. With the increase in call volume and the inability to fund the Department through the City's general fund, the Sales Tax is necessary in order to fulfill the Departments obligation and mission to the Citizens of Indpendence.
What your Vote means?
What a yes vote means?
A yes vote would repeal the current Fire Protection Sales Tax of 1/8 of one cent which is currently in effect until December 31, 2026.
It would replace the current Fire Protection Sales Tax with a new Fire Protection Sales Tax of 1/2 of one cent and remain in effect until repealed by the voters.
This would result in a 3/8 of one cent total Fire Prevention Sales Tax increase.
What a no vote means?
A no vote would maintain the current Fire Protection Sales Tax of 1/8 of a cent which is currently in effect until December 31, 2026.
Sample Ballot Language
Shall the City of Independence repeal the existing Sales Tax of one eighth of one percent used to fund operations of the municipal fire department, and instead impose a Sales Tax of one-half of one percent, to be effective April 1, 2022, for the purpose of providing revenues for the operation of the municipal fire department, which tax shall remain in effect until repealed by voters?
Incident Trends
Demand for Emergency and Non-Emergency services has increased significantly over the past 30 years. This increase has a direct effect on response times, available apparatus to respond to incidents and firefighter fatigue.
6712
Total Incidents in 1992
23,412
Total Incidents in 2020
248%+
Increase from 1992 - 2020
Number of Available Apparatus
There has been a reduction in the amount of apparatus funded to respond to emergencies over the past 30 years. This reduction puts more stress on the apparatus and firefighters responding to those emergencies.
18
Total Emergency Apparatus in 1992
15
Total Emergency Apparatus in 2020
Staffing Levels
Over the past 30 years, staffing for the department has decreased while the number of incidents continues to increase year over year.
190
Total Full-time Personnel in 1992
176
Total Full-time Personnel in 2020
-7.3%
Decrease in Staffing
Sales Tax Comparisons for Kansas City Metro Area
Follow link for Sales Tax Comparisons between Independence and other Local Metropolitan Cities. All data is from Municipal and State websites.