Monett Rural Fire Chief letter to voters regarding upcoming Tax Levy

MONETT, Mo. (KOAM) — The Monett Rural Fire District cover portions of Barry and Lawrence County. Recently they have placed a proposition of a Tax Levy on the August 6 ballot for additional funds to support the department.

Chief Brandon Pennington shares an open letter to the public and media:

Dear Voter, As Chief of the Monett Rural Fire District, I would appreciate your time in thoughtfully considering the proposition we have placed on the August 6th, 2024 ballot. My intent with this letter is to explain the reasoning behind the need for this proposition. The Board of Directors has had to make some very difficult financial decisions over the past few years. The funds to properly operate the district, upgrade stations / equipment and replace apparatus have become unavailable due to budget constraints. Without additional funds we cannot move this district forward. Call volume continues to climb but our budget has stayed the same. Due to increase of prices, we are asking you as a voter and recipient of our services to voice your opinion on the direction you desire the department to proceed. We have been able to provide fire, rescue and medical services to our community for many years with the funds we have received. We are now however, at the point of needing additional revenue to maintain services at the current level and to grow into the future. Our desire is to provide the best for our community members, visitors to the area and our volunteers. Assessed values of owned property and levies placed on that property are difficult to understand due to multiple reasons. I am available to assist you in determining your current and the proposed expenses if this levy would pass. I encourage you to voice your opinion by voting on Tuesday, August 6th, 2024. Brandon A. Pennington, Fire Chief, Monett Rural Fire District

Questions? Contact the Monett Rural Fire District on social media .