With an uncertain financial future highlighted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Mehlville Fire Protection District has a deficit budget for the first time in many years. The MFPD Board of Directors unanimously passed a $24.18 million budget for 2021 that has a $1.41 million deficit.
“Not a lot went our way when developing this budget, so you’re going to see kind of a recurring theme and that’s that ‘Hey, that didn’t go our way,’” said Chief Financial Officer Brian Bond at the Dec. 23 board meeting.
The fire district may have some tough financial challenges ahead, the CFO noted.
“While many factors worked against the 2021 budget, the good news is that residents of the district are receiving an enhanced level of service. 2022 will be a reassessment year which will hopefully provide additional tax revenue,” Bond said. “But it’s important for us to note that future budgets will be faced with similar challenges. Unfortunately the level of expenses we’re at,