Prop RT Means Cuts to Emergency and Disability Services, Schools, and Libraries
- Francis Howell Forward
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 10 minutes ago
When the voters of St. Charles County consider Prop RT this April, they should know the stakes. If passed, Prop RT would heavily defund critical services, from fire and EMS to disability supports, schools, and libraries. Across St. Charles County, the first year losses from Prop RT are projected at $52 million, with long term impacts expected to be far more severe and far-reaching.
What Prop RT Means for Emergency and Disability Services
Prop RT proposes budget cuts that would reduce funding for fire departments, ambulance services, and disability support programs. These services save lives and provide essential care for vulnerable populations.
Fire and EMS response times could increase due to reduced personnel and resources.
Disability services that help residents with mobility, communication, and daily living needs may face reductions, leaving many without necessary support.
The strain on emergency responders could grow, risking the safety of all residents.
For example, the county’s ambulance service currently averages a response time of under 9 minutes. Even a small cutback could push response times higher, putting lives at risk during critical moments.
Schools Will Be the Hardest Hit
Saint Charles County schools depend heavily on local funding to maintain quality education. Prop RT’s defunding would force schools to make difficult choices:
Larger class sizes as staff layoffs become necessary
Cuts to extracurricular programs like sports, music, and arts
Reduced support for students with special needs
Decreased offerings, like gifted programs or workforce/career solutions
Delayed maintenance for district facilities or technology
These changes would directly affect students’ learning experiences and future opportunities, ultimately reducing the county’s overall educational quality and hurting property values.
Libraries Are More Than Just Books
Libraries in Saint Charles County offer more than just books. They provide internet access, job search assistance, educational programs, tax assistance, and safe spaces for children and seniors. They even serve as community hubs for events and gatherings. (Think story time for tots or room rentals for the local quilting group.)
Prop RT’s defunding threatens to:
Reduce library hours, limiting access for working families and students.
Cut funding for literacy programs and community events, including the bookmobile.
Force closures or reduced service hours across branches.
Government Overreach
Along with 97 other counties, Saint Charles was forced to place Prop RT on our ballot through SB3, a state bill. State lawmakers did not leave room for county discretion when they decided that 75 of these counties would propose a 5% annual increase cap on that the remaining 22 of these counties would propose an indefinite freeze to property ta
x liability at 2024 levels. Saint Charles County is among the 22, meaning that revenue for our services will remain flat despite inflation in utility costs and other resources our schools and emergency services rely on.
Protect the Services that Protect our Community
Every dollar cut from these services affects real people:
Families waiting longer for emergency help.
Children losing access to quality education and support.
Seniors and low-income residents losing access to library programs and disability services.
We must invest in the services that make our community a safe and vibrant place to live. Preserve emergency response capabilities, support student success, and maintain libraries as accessible community centers. Saint Charles County deserves a future where public services grow stronger, not weaker.