NIXA, MO – Nixa Fire Protection District voters have approved a one-cent local sales tax to support district operations, according to unofficial results from the Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026 primary election. The measure passed 3,616 votes to 3,352, or 51.89 percent to 48.11 percent, marking the district's first approved operational tax increase since 2003. Results are unofficial until certified by the Christian County Clerk's Office.
"On behalf of the entire Nixa Fire Protection District, thank you to every voter who took the time to consider this question," said Asst. Chief Whitney Weaver. "This is our first approved increase for operations in over 20 years, and our team has worked every year since 2003 to stretch every dollar as far as it would go. We reached the point where we simply could not stretch any further, and our residents heard that message. We have always been transparent with our community about our budget and our needs, and that transparency will continue as we put these resources to work for the people we serve."
Asst. Chief Weaver added that the district recognizes the vote was close, and that residents who opposed the measure remain a priority.
"To those who voted no, we hear you as well. We do not take this vote for granted, and we remain committed to being good stewards ofevery taxpayer dollar entrusted to us, just as we always have been."
Division Chief Josephsen echoed that sentiment on behalf of district personnel. "This outcome reflects the dedication and professionalism our personnel bring to this community every single day," said Division Chief Josephsen. "This is just the beginning. It gives us an incredible opportunity to keep strengthening our organization, investing in our people, and improving the service we provide to the citizens who have placed their trust in us."
District leadership emphasized that the new revenue will be directed toward supporting personnel, sustaining district operations, and maintaining the level of emergency response Nixa residents expect. The district will continue to share information about implementation timelines, including statutory property tax adjustments tied to the new sales tax, through its website and upcoming public communications.
The Nixa Fire Protection District has served the Nixa community since its establishment in 1986 and currently protects approximately 33,000 residents across 53 square miles. The district operates from four fire stations and, prior to this measure, had not requested an increase in the operational tax rate from voters since 2003.
More information is available at www.nixafire.org or by contacting the district office at (417)725-4025.
