Proposition Health: To protect the future
of our community, our firefighters and our quality emergency services.
Prop. Health is a proposal to protect the future of the Lake St. Louis Fire Protection District and the firefighters who keep our community safe. If approved, it would provide funding for the District’s pension program, which supports retirement for our firefighters.
The additional funding would protect the health of our firefighters by giving them the opportunity to retire before they become disabled or receive a life-threatening diagnosis, and would also protect the quality emergency services we receive.
The additional funding would protect the health of our firefighters by giving them the opportunity to retire before they become disabled or receive a life-threatening diagnosis, and would also protect the quality emergency services we receive.
Why is Prop. Health needed now?
More than 30 years ago, in 1988, the community made the commitment to provide a reasonable retirement package for our Lake St. Louis Fire Protection District firefighters by approving a pension fund.
Due to sound fiscal management, the District has been able to navigate an increase from one to 14 firefighters and economic fluctuations to fund the pension program without a rate increase. Unfortunately, this is no longer feasible.
Due to sound fiscal management, the District has been able to navigate an increase from one to 14 firefighters and economic fluctuations to fund the pension program without a rate increase. Unfortunately, this is no longer feasible.
How has the growth in our community impacted pension funding?
In the past 30, years our community’s population has more than doubled. While the District has expanded from one full-time firefighter to 15 full-time employees to meet the demands of our growing community, the pension program has not been able to keep up. The current pension funding level can no longer support a community and District of our size.
At what age do firefighters typically retire?
In many cases nationwide, work-related injuries or illness force firefighters to leave the truck before their retirement benefits are available. Working to the point of receiving retirement benefits means a firefighter in our area needs to stay on active duty until they are well into their 60s. Most states require firefighters, and other first responders to retire after 25 years of service.
When do Lake St. Louis firefighters usually retire?
Only one firefighter has been able to retire since the District’s inception, and he was nearly 70 when he retired. Most of our firefighters are more than 40 years old, and will soon reach a point where they will need to retire because of the demanding physical challenges of the job.
How old are our Lake St. Louis firefighters?
The median age for Lake St. Louis firefighters is more than 40 years old, having served on the truck for more than 19 years.
IS IT dangerous to be a firefighter?
Firefighting is one of the most dangerous professions one can choose, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. They have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. There is an increased risk of cancer, heart disease, suicide and, most recently, exposure to COVID-19. These risks increase the longer a firefighter serves and have made it harder to recruit new candidates.
Are firefighters at an increased risk for developing cancer?
Yes, during every shift firefighters are exposed to cancer-causing materials while assisting with car accidents, fighting fires and performing rescue operations. Cancer is the No. 1 cause of death for active firefighters, causing up to 70% of line-of-duty deaths yearly.
Research from the CDC/National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) found firefighters have a 9% higher chance of receiving a cancer diagnosis and a 14% higher chance of dying of cancer than the general population.
Firefighters face an increased risk of developing certain cancers, including a 100% increase in developing mesothelioma, a cancer that can be caused by exposure to asbestos.
Research from the CDC/National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) found firefighters have a 9% higher chance of receiving a cancer diagnosis and a 14% higher chance of dying of cancer than the general population.
Firefighters face an increased risk of developing certain cancers, including a 100% increase in developing mesothelioma, a cancer that can be caused by exposure to asbestos.
What are the mental health risks of being a firefighter? Are suicide rates higher for firefighters than the average citizen?
Ongoing exposure to traumatic events takes a toll on the mental health of our first responders. According to the Journal of Emergency Medical Services, approximately 20% of firefighters and paramedics suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), compared to 3.5% of the general population. These rates have been compared to those of combat veterans. Suicide rates are estimated to be 10 times greater than the national average.
Are firefighters at an increased risk for heart disease and heart attacks?
Sudden cardiac death consistently accounts for approximately half of on-duty firefighting fatalities, according to the Journal of Emergency Medical Services and the Journal of American Heart Association. Factors including ongoing shift work, disrupted sleep, heat stress and fluid loss can all lead to ongoing cardiovascular problems. These pre-existing heart issues, combined with the stress during or after an emergency call, can result in sudden cardiac death.
Why is it important for the District to offer a competitive retirement program?
In 2020, many neighboring communities supported adequate retirement funding for their firefighters. To remain competitive, and to continue to recruit and retain qualified firefighters and EMTs to provide emergency services to our community, we need to ensure our firefighters have access to an adequate retirement program as well.
In a 10-year span, we lost five experienced firefighters to neighboring public service agencies; that’s almost two firefighters per shift, or a 33% loss of our team. These positions had to be filled by entry-level firefighters.
In a 10-year span, we lost five experienced firefighters to neighboring public service agencies; that’s almost two firefighters per shift, or a 33% loss of our team. These positions had to be filled by entry-level firefighters.
If the community approves Prop. Health on Tuesday, April 6, how will the funds be used?
Prop. Health funding would be restricted and must be used for the pension fund, which supports the firefighters’ retirement program.
What will the average investment be for a homeowner?
If approved by voters, Prop. Health would cost the owner of a $300,000 home $3.33 a month, or around 77 cents a week, approximately the cost of a soda at the gas station.
How will Prop. Health appear on the ballot?
To keep pace with the growth of the District, shall the board of directors of Lake Saint Louis Fire Protection District be authorized to levy an additional tax rate of seven cents per one hundred dollars valuation, the revenues from which shall be deposited in a special fund and used only for the continuation of the pension program of the District?
Who can vote in the April 6 election?
All registered voters in the Lake St. Louis Fire Protection District are eligible to vote in this election. A person may vote in any election who:
- Is a citizen of the United States and is at least 18 years old
- Has been a resident of Missouri and the District for at least 28 days before the election
- Has registered to vote by March 10, 2021
- Is not registered to vote in another jurisdiction
When is the election?
Election Day is Tuesday, April 6, 2021. The polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
How do I register to vote?
You can register to vote any time before March 10, 2021. Visit www.election.sccmo.org/election or call 636-949-7550.
I can’t make it to the polls on Election Day how do I vote?
You can cast an absentee ballot in person or vote via mail through the St. Charles County Election Authority. If you are mailing your ballot back to the Election Authority, we recommend mailing it seven to 10 days before April 6 to allow time for it to arrive. Visit www.sccmo.org/447/Absentee-Voting or call 636-949-7550.
Where can I get additional information about registration or absentee ballots?
Additional information is available through the St. Charles County Election Authority. Visit www.election.sccmo.org/election or call 636-949-7550.
Where do I vote?
Your precinct number and polling location are shown on your voter notification card. Additional information is available through the St. Charles County Election Authority. Visit www.election.sccmo.org/election or call 636-949-7550.
How can I learn more about Prop. Health?
If you have any additional questions, please call the District at 636-561-9200 or email lslfire@lslfire.com.
HOW IS A FIRE DISTRICT LIKE THE LAKE ST. LOUIS FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT DIFFERENT FROM A FIRE DEPARTMENT?
The Lake St. Louis Fire Protection District is an independent entity with its own citizen-elected board of directors, budget and operational structure. A fire department is typically a department within a City government structure. The Lake St. Louis Fire Protection District is independent from the City of Lake St. Louis.
How much does each Lake St. Louis firefighter earn for their retirement from the current tax rate?
The amount each firefighter receives varies each year depending on the District’s overall assessed valuation, and the individual’s salary. For example, in 2020, each Lake St. Louis Fire Protection District employee’s individual retirement investment account received an average of $4,500 (for the year).
The District’s retirement plan is similar to a 401K program in that employees can choose their individual investment strategy, but the funds must remain in their retirement account. Due to the cost and small number of employees, the District does not have a defined benefit or a contribution plan that guarantees a specific monthly benefit when they retire. Defined benefit plans are more common in larger fire districts or other large public service organizations with more employees and a larger coverage area.
The District’s retirement plan is similar to a 401K program in that employees can choose their individual investment strategy, but the funds must remain in their retirement account. Due to the cost and small number of employees, the District does not have a defined benefit or a contribution plan that guarantees a specific monthly benefit when they retire. Defined benefit plans are more common in larger fire districts or other large public service organizations with more employees and a larger coverage area.
This information was prepared and paid for by the Lake St. Louis Fire Protection District, 1815 Lake Saint Louis Blvd., Lake Saint Louis, MO 63367, Clinton Gussner, Fire Chief. This information is intended solely to educate and inform residents about a question that will be before voters. It is not intended to advocate, support or oppose the passage or defeat of the measure. Each voter should vote for or against the question based on his or her own judgment.
