Proposition P: Investing in Public Safety for a Stronger Festus

Council Authorization

On August 25th, the Festus City Council approved placing Proposition P on the November 4 ballot to fund critical enhancements to public safety services.

The Question

Shall the City of Festus authorize funding to:

• Replace the nearly 20-year-old fire ladder apparatus;

• Upgrade to a NextGen 911 emergency dispatch system;

• Build a new Fire Station #2 and replace the existing Fire Station #1;

• Construct a Public Safety Training Center;

• Add staff to the Fire, Police, and Dispatch departments?

A majority “Yes” vote would enable these improvements; a majority “No” vote would not.

Why Is the City Considering This?

• Aging Infrastructure: The current fire ladder truck has far exceeded its recommended service life.

• Emergency Dispatch Modernization: Upgrading to NextGen 911 will enable better location tracking and support multimedia communication (texts, images, video) during emergencies.

• Growing Service Demands: Additional staffing and new facility investments aim to improve emergency response times and overall preparedness.

What's at Stake?

• Modern Equipment that enhances safety and reduces maintenance

• Enhanced Facilities across fire protection, dispatch, and training

• A Better-Trained, Better-Resourced Workforce, supporting effective emergency response

Why Additional Funding Is Being Considered

• Over the past several years, the cost of delivering emergency services in Festus has increased significantly—driven by rising equipment costs, technology upgrades, staffing needs, and inflation.
• At the same time, the City’s existing revenue sources (such as sales tax, general fund allocations, and federal/state support) have not kept pace with these growing demands. This creates long-term challenges in replacing aging infrastructure, expanding services, and maintaining rapid emergency response.

Maintaining Current Support Levels

• If approved, Proposition P would provide additional dedicated funding to support public safety improvements.
• The City of Festus remains committed to maintaining current funding levels for police, fire, and emergency dispatch services.
  ➡️ This means that existing general fund support will not be reduced or diverted if Proposition P passes.

Summary: What a “Yes” Vote Means

• Replace outdated public safety equipment

• Improve dispatch capabilities and accessibility

• Expand Fire Department capacity via new stations

• Centralize training to enhance readiness

• Strengthen emergency staffing and services

Summary: What a “No” Vote Means

Proposition P will not pass, delaying or preventing vital upgrades to Festus’ public safety infrastructure and service delivery.

Important Dates

Election Day: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Festus voters will decide Proposition P. A majority is required for approval.

Prepared and Paid For By

City of Festus – City Administrator’s Office, 7111 West Main Street, Festus, MO
This page is intended to educate residents about Proposition P. It is not intended to advocate for or against the measure. Residents should vote based on their own judgment.

Last updated: 9/08/2025