ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. — Voters will decide Tuesday whether to approve Proposition Paramedics, a proposed three-eighths-of-one-percent sales tax intended to provide additional operating revenue for the St. Charles County Ambulance District.

The district says state law would require part of the sales tax proceeds to offset its property-tax levy, with its projections showing roughly a 40 percent reduction in property taxes paid specifically to the ambulance district. Officials also say St. Charles County residents would no longer receive certain bills for ambulance service if the measure passes.

The district has cited population growth, rising emergency call volume and staffing pressures as reasons for the proposal. In September, district representatives said ten paramedic positions were being held vacant and warned of additional reductions in 2027 without new funding.

Voters should weigh the new sales tax against projected property-tax reductions and service changes. The district's official information includes estimates and explanations of how the proposed funding system would work.