Sep 18, 2024 Local News
Ste. Genevieve Co., Mo. (KFMO) - The six fire departments in Ste. Genevieve County are banding together in a push to form a tax-supported Fire Protection District. Rising costs of equipment, firehouse maintenance, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other operational expenses have made it increasingly difficult for these volunteer departments to maintain the level of fire protection services their residents deserve.
In the upcoming April 2025 election, voters in Ste. Genevieve County will have the opportunity to approve the creation of two new Fire Protection Districts. The proposed "Ste. Genevieve County Fire Protection District" would consolidate the Bloomsdale Volunteer Fire Department, Zell Volunteer Fire Department, Kinsey Volunteer Fire Department, Ozora Volunteer Fire Department, Weingarten Volunteer Fire Department, and St. Mary's Fire Department. Meanwhile, the City of Ste. Genevieve will continue to operate as an independent fire department.
The decision for the City of Ste. Genevieve to remain separate stems from differences in ISO ratings—a system that evaluates a fire department's ability to fight structural fires based on factors like water supply, fire apparatus, and training hours. Currently, the City of Ste. Genevieve holds an ISO rating of 4. Joining the new district could lower that rating to a 6, potentially increasing insurance premiums for city residents. For those in the proposed district, an ISO rating of 6 would be maintained or, for some, improved.
The fire departments hope to use the additional funds from the district to support several key priorities, including:
- Recruitment and retention of firefighters
- Compensation for volunteer firefighters
- Maintenance and replacement of fire apparatus
- Purchasing new, updated PPE for firefighters
The departments are urging residents to learn more about the proposed districts and to consider supporting the initiative in April. More information will be shared with the public leading up to the election, including opportunities for community engagement, Q&A sessions, and social media updates.
