April 2012 Levy FAQs

Will this proposition measure increase my property taxes?

Yes. The measure will establish a new additional levy rate of $0.25 per $100 assessed value. For a house and property assessed at $100,000, the increase of $0.25 cent/$100 assessed value is $47 per year, or about $4/month. You can contact the assessor’s office (417) 868-4101 with questions about how assessments would apply.  We are pledging to offset the cost of the levy by reducing the Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating for the fire district from a 5 to a 4.  Also, property taxes can be claimed on your Federal Tax Return in the itemized deduction process allowing for property taxes to be written off and more money in your tax return.

What will the levy increase be used for?

The $0.25 levy increase will generate new funds to:

•             Offset the rapid growth of increasing calls for service.

•             Alleviate existing staffing shortages

•             Offset rapidly increasing fuel and energy expenses

•             Replace old and obsolete equipment

•             Sustain current service level

•             Reduce the insurance rating to offset cost of levy

What is the Insurance Service Office (ISO) rating and what is their purpose?

ISO collects information on municipal fire-protection efforts in communities throughout the United States. In each of those communities, ISO analyzes the relevant data using our Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS). They then assign a Public Protection Classification from 1 to 10. Class 1 generally represents superior property fire protection, and Class 10 indicates that the area's fire-suppression program doesn't meet ISO’s minimum criteria.

By classifying communities' ability to suppress fires, ISO helps the communities evaluate their public fire-protection services. The program provides an objective, countrywide standard that helps fire departments in planning and budgeting for facilities, equipment, and training. And by securing lower fire insurance premiums for communities with better public protection, the PPC program provides incentives and rewards for communities that choose to improve their firefighting services.

Can the Battlefield Fire Protection District really lower the ISO rating?

Yes.  The last time the fire district was rated was in 2001.  A lot of things have changed since the last rating, including the status of the fire district.  In 2001, the District was 100% volunteer and now it is a 100% paid professional fire department.  Additionally, there have been significant improvements to the water supply system and dispatch system for the area.  As an example, in 2001 the Springfield/Greene County 911 Dispatch center did not exist.  Both the County and City of Springfield had separate dispatch centers and the rating was a Class 6 and now has been rated as a Class 1.  The same can be shown with the water distribution system.  Also, the District has added a new station(s) since the 2001 ISO rating which will improve our rating.

ISO rates three areas to determine a fire departments rating.  Those three areas are the water distribution system for fire protection (fire hydrants, mains, and storage), the 911 center, and the fire district.

What information should I ask my insurance company?

Does my insurance company use ISO?  Do they know the District’s current ISO rating?  If the rating drops from a 5 to a 4 or lower, what will my savings be?  Do I need to shop around for a better discount? 

How do we compare to other fire districts?

The growth in our area has drastically impacted funding to provide services.  Our area has experienced the largest amount of growth but currently has the lowest funding level. 

Contact the Battlefield Fire Protection District for more information (417) 881-9018.