CHESTERFIELD—The Monarch Fire Protection District plans a series of public meetings starting Monday night to get feedback on a potential public vote on a tax levy increase.

The District, which serves parts of Chesterfield, Creve Coeur, Wildwood, Maryland Heights, Clarkson Valley, Ballwin and unincorporated St. Louis County, says it needs to explore ways to add ambulances to improve response times and replace equipment.

In an online survey, the district is asking the public for its reaction to a potential increase of up to 19 cents, which, if approved, would be the first change to Monarch’s general tax rate in 35 years. Revenue would expand the fleet of four ambulances, which the district says can’t keep up with increases in call volumes since 2000 while maintaining national standards for response times. The agency says it already relies on neighboring districts to answer EMS calls. 

The district said the proposed tax levy increase would mean an additional $12 monthly for a home valued at $400,000.

Three public forums are scheduled over the next week to get feedback.

Monday April 29 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Riverbend Elementary School in Chesterfield

Tuesday April 30 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Chesterfield Mall on the second floor next to Macy’s

Saturday May 4 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Wings of Hope in Chesterfield

The Monarch Fire District’s board of directors would have until May 28 to decide whether to put the levy question on the Aug. 6 ballot or Aug. 27 for the Nov. 5 ballot.