Kelso voters to decide on tax extension to pay for fire protection

KELSO, Mo. -- Voters in the Scott County village of Kelso will vote Aug. 3 on the proposed renewal of a property tax levy for fire protection.

The measure, if approved, would extend the tax, set at 13 cents per $100 assessed valuation, for four years.

Kelso Mayor Larry McClain said the tax revenue is used to pay the Scott City Fire Department to serve the Kelso area.

The tax generates about $12,000 annually, McClain said.

The village has a longstanding agreement with the Scott City Fire Department to serve the approximately 255 households in the Kelso area, McClain said.

"It keeps us at a lower fire rating and saves our homeowners a lot of money on their premiums," McClain said.

Kelso has a general revenue tax levy of 50 cents per $100 assessed valuation, making the total property tax residents currently pay to the village 63 cents per $100 assessed valuation.