General Obligation Bond

2021 Proposition Fire Projects Update

Our community deserves exceptional emergency services, and we are dedicated maintaining well-trained, well-equipped and strategically positioned firefighters.

In 2020, we initiated a strategic planning process to identify key initiatives and issues impacting our services. This effort led to the development of a comprehensive 10-year capital plan, which proposed a bond to address significant concerns with our facilities and equipment. With robust voter support, we advanced a funding plan of $12.5 million. Together, we are committed to improving the effectiveness and efficiency of our emergency services, ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. With the approval of this bond allowing us to purchase apparatus and personnel, we were able to improve our Insurance Services Office (ISO) Rating from a 4 to 3 which improved property insurance rates.

Since the approval of the 2021 Proposition Fire Bond, the following projects have been completed:

Station 2 Debt Payoff - $1,443,516
Purchase of Land for New Station 1 - $701,798.65
Station 3 Remodel - $1,500,000
2012 HME Aerial - $499,000
2023 Spartan Pumper/Tender - $722,087
2023 F-550 Brush Truck - $357,514
2024 E-One 75 foot Aerial - $1,500,000
2025 Ferrara Engine - $850,000
Training/Maintenance Building - $2,600,000
Training Burn Building - $950,000

The total for the above projects is $12,610,000.

Station 2 Lease Obligation

The approval of this bond allowed the District to pay off an outstanding debt of $1,443,516.99 related to the new Fire Station 2 project, which was completed in 2020 prior to the bond issuance in November 2021. By paying off this lease, the District has reduced its financial commitments and successfully added three new firefighter positions, thereby improving our staffing and enhancing our emergency response capabilities.

Station 1 Land Purchase

Fire Station 1 houses a crew of four (4) firefighters, a battalion chief, and administrative staff. It was built in 1983 and is in a flood zone with a history of serious flooding requiring repairs and remediation. It is located within a space with limited training, expansion, and parking access. It does not provide adequate space for additional firefighters, administrative staff, or apparatus. In April 2022, 9.5 acres at 911 N. 9th St. was purchased for $701,798.65 for the development of a new Fire Station 1 and training facility. The new facility will improve operational efficiency and ensure better service for our residents. The remaining $6.5 Million of the 2021 Bond initiative is allocated for the construction of this project which will begin in July 2025.

Station 3 Remodel

Fire Station 3 was built in 1990, when volunteer firefighters served the District. The fire station was not originally designed or constructed for full-time firefighters. In 2014, a tax levy increase was approved to allow for full-time staffing which resulted in the need to remodel this fire station so that two firefighters could reside there 24/7 and ensure for emergency coverage in our southern district. In January 2021, firefighters had to be relocated to fire station 1 out of concern for their health and safety from air quality and mold issues. A complete remodel and addition that totaled $1,500,000. This remediated the mold issue and provided enhancements to include the addition of a new gym, decontamination room, and gear storage on the north side. This comprehensive project was completed in November 2023 and now accommodates 2-3 firefighters. The upgraded facility ensures safe and efficient environment for our dedicated emergency responders.

2012 HME Aerial

Because of the urgent and immediate need for a frontline aerial apparatus, along with the extended construction times of a new aerial, a pre-owned 2012 HME 75-foot Aerial was purchased for $399,000 in May 2022. An additional $100,000 was designated for new equipment, ensuring the aerial is outfitted with the latest upgrades. Currently, this aerial apparatus is at fire station 1. Future plans for this apparatus is to become a reserve. This investment underscores the District's commitment to upholding high standards of safety and efficiency in its operations.

2023 Spartan Pumper

In April 2022, the District purchased a 2023 Spartan 2,000 Gallon Pumper/Tender for $622,087 with an additional $100,000 designated for new equipment. This advanced firefighting apparatus is stationed at fire station 3 and was officially put into service in December 2023. The acquisition not only strengthens our firefighting capabilities but also reflects our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. With this new equipment, we are better equipped to respond to emergencies and protect our residents effectively.

2023 F-550 Brush Truck

In September 2023, a 2023 Ford F-550 chassis was purchased for $70,000. Following a comprehensive $287,514 up-fitting process, which included the installation of a pump, water tank, and a custom-built bed with enclosed storage compartments, the apparatus has now been placed in service.

The completed unit has been specifically configured for use as a Brush/Rescue apparatus, expanding the District’s capabilities for wildland response, off-road incidents, and specialized rescue operations. In addition, the apparatus will serve an important support role for the Water Rescue Team, providing equipment transport, personnel support, and operational flexibility during water rescue incidents. This investment significantly strengthens our all-hazards response capabilities and ensures the apparatus is aligned with the District’s evolving operational needs.

2024 E-One 75 Foot Aerial

In August 2024, we purchased a new 2024 E-One 75-foot Aerial for $1,400,000. Following final modifications, equipment installation, and operational up-fitting, the apparatus was placed in service in February 2025. An additional $100,000 was invested in equipment and up-fitting to ensure the unit fully met the District’s operational and response needs.

This new addition enhances our existing fleet and strengthens our aerial response capabilities. Our 2012 HME Aerial will remain in service as a reserve aerial, providing continued support for the District’s emergency response operations and ensuring redundancy for major incidents, maintenance periods, or simultaneous calls.