To The Editor,

The sales tax rate in Warrenton is one of the highest in the state, exceeding areas in St. Louis City and County, Chesterfield, Wentzville, O’Fallon, St. Peters, St. Charles City and County.

The Warrenton sales tax rate will be as much as 30 percent higher than Wentzville. A short drive to Rural King in Wentzville will save you 30 percent in sales tax over the Warrenton store.

Also, the fire tax increase is permanent, no expiration date.

The fire tax increase will skyrocket revenue for the Warrenton Fire Protection District over 62 percent, a massive windfall in 2021. While it is anticipated property taxes will decrease a year after the sales revenue has been in place, the reduction will be significantly less than the increase. Real estate assessed valuations continue to increase, 10-plus consecutive years and not stopping, thus driving down minor offsets in real estate taxes.

The Warrenton Fire Protection District only responded to 71 fire incidents, less than 6 percent of the total 1,214 calls in 2019, yet salaries and overtime continue to increase. A 40-percent increase in salaries in three years, 2016 to 2019, with overtime increasing 265 percent.

Why has the volunteer partnership with the Warrenton Fire Protection District decreased by over 75 percent in the past five years, while our neighboring communities, from Washington to Hawk Point and Jonesburg to Troy, and many more local cities, have experienced significant positive growth?

Diligent management of taxpayers’ money, coupled with respect of all citizens, will be a key first step. The Warrenton Fire Protection District needs to re-establish the best-of-the-best reputation previously held, through active partnership and utilization of the many Warren County volunteers who continue to offer support, bringing valuable knowledge, training and assistance.

Be educated before voting. Do not be bullied at the polls.

Eddie Meyer

Warrenton