SHELL KNOB, MO — August 6, 2026

Central Crossing Fire Protection District is proud to announce that district voters passed Proposition Fire during the Primary Election on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

The approved $4.5 million bond measure equips the district to upgrade vital life-saving equipment, rebuild aging fire stations, protect firefighter health, and strengthen operational sustainability through a temporary, dedicated tax levy.

Where the Funds Will Be Invested

1. Modernizing the Fleet & Apparatus

Bond proceeds will fund the replacement of aging brush trucks and the acquisition of a new specialized rescue truck. This expanded fleet will address the growing complexity and variety of emergency calls in our area, enhancing response capabilities locally, supporting mutual aid partners, and aiding in regional deployments.

2. Rebuilding Stations 3 & 4

The district will rebuild two key facilities to modern operational and safety standards:

• Station 3 (17 Spring Valley Rd, near Hwy 39 & Hwy H): Serves the southern portion of the district.
• Station 4 (21791 County Line Rd, near Hwy YY): Located at the Barry/Stone County line, Station 4 is one of the district’s busiest stations outside of headquarters.

Key Station Improvements Include:

• Running Water & Sewer Systems: Adding basic living quarters and modern decontamination facilities to thoroughly clean gear after fires—a crucial measure to reduce firefighter cancer risks.
• Expanded Apparatus Bays: Upgrading bay dimensions to safely house modern, larger emergency vehicles and provide adequate workspace for personnel.

3. Paying Down Debt & Supporting Personnel

By utilizing bond funds to pay off existing apparatus debt, the district will reduce ongoing debt service obligations in its general operating budget. This frees up operational funds to:

• Increase firefighter compensation to remain competitive with surrounding agencies.
• Improve the per-diem system for volunteer responders.

4. Capital Infrastructure Repairs

Any remaining bond funds will be directed strictly toward capital infrastructure repairs throughout the district. By law, bond proceeds are restricted to capital assets and infrastructure and cannot be spent directly on operational staffing costs.

What This Means for Taxpayers

The $4.5 million bond will be funded through a dedicated temporary property tax levy estimated at $0.23 per $100 of assessed valuation. Unlike permanent operating tax increases, this temporary levy is tied directly to the repayment of the bonds and will sunset once the debt is paid off.

A Message of Thanks to Our Community

Central Crossing Fire Protection District extends its sincere gratitude to the residents of our district for their continued support and trust. We look forward to keeping the community updated as these capital projects move forward, continuing our commitment to protecting the lives and property of those who live in and visit our community.