Antonia Fire Protection District

It is that time of year again when we all send our personal property and real estate tax payments in to the Jefferson County Collector of Revenue’s office. Residents who live in the 36 square mile Antonia Fire Protection District will pay a little less this year.

On September 20, 2011 at the annual tax levy hearing, the board of directors voted to roll back the tax levy by 7.7 cents. This was all made possible by a sales tax measure that passed on April 7, 2009. Voters approved a ½-cent sales tax to provide for the general operating budget of the district. In 2010, the sales tax produced $192,606.77 of revenue for the district, which led to a roll back in the property tax levy of 5.2 cents. An additional 2.5 cents was rolled back in the debt service fund. In 2001, voters approved the sale of $3,000,000.00 in general obligation bonds with a 20-year payback at a tax levy of 23 cents. In 2005, the board of directors voted to refinance the bonds to a lower rate and pay down a portion of the debt. Again, in 2010, the board of directors voted to pay down an additional $376,000 in bonds. The current tax levy rate is18.71 cents and our bonds are on pace to be paid off in 2013, 8 years early.

Through these tough economic times every penny saved counts. Here at the Antonia Fire District we have had to tighten our belts as many of you have. We were forced to downsize our operation by one employee and borrow money in anticipation of tax revenues for three years in a row. I am pleased to report to you that we were able to make it thru this fiscal year without having to borrow any money. The sales tax has helped us to keep our head above water with the rising cost of goods and services.

In the future, we hope to approve more property tax rollbacks associated with the growth of the sales tax and pass the savings on to you the taxpayer. You have probably heard of “Shop Jefferson County” and the importance of supporting local businesses and, in turn, generating tax revenue for services. When you “Shop Antonia”, you directly support the operations of the Antonia Fire Protection District. Businesses located in Antonia, Barnhart west of I-55, Otto, and the Seckman Valley all collect sales tax for the district. We urge you to shop in the community where you live and support your local fire district.

Customer service is important to all personnel of the Antonia Fire Protection District and all are committed to delivering the highest level of fire and rescue services possible to our citizens at an affordable price. We are always looking to improve our overall effectiveness through more efficient practices and would love to hear your opinion.

To learn more about us, our programs and services we provide, please visit our various divisions on our website at www.antoniafire.com. Please send your comments about our newsletter or questions about the district to our Fire Chief at jnewsome@antoniafire.com or call him at 636-948-4433.