Explanatory Statement:

Ballot Measure No. 24-10 would permit the City to sell up to $22,535,000 of general obligation bonds to finance fire, police, and 9-1-1 Center emergency capital construction projects and improvements, including, but not limited to:
XXXX-relocating, rebuilding, expanding, renovating and seismically upgrading fire stations;
XXXX-acquiring fire department vehicles and related public safety equipment;
XXXX-acquiring land and making site improvements for public safety facilities;
XXXX-relocating the 9-1-1 communication and emergency operations center;
XXXX-developing an integrated 800 megahertz emergency radio communications system;
XXXX-adding a new fire station to the current nine station system; and
XXXX-financing related public safety improvements and bond issuance costs. A 1996 engineering study indicates that most Salem fire stations, which house Salem's fire engines and ambulances, are not expected to be usable after an earthquake of any consequence. The current 9-1-1 center, located in the basement of City Hall, also is not expected to withstand an earthquake and has inadequate space.
Salem's fire stations were built to serve Salem's configuration of over 25-years ago when the area to be served was 27.767 square miles instead of the 46.372 square miles currently being served. Relocating some stations would enable the City to better meet the Council's adopted four-minute emergency response standard.
Currently, there are many communication dead spots throughout the City and some buildings where emergency communications between public safety personnel are impaired. A new unified system would be designed to alleviate the communication gaps. Primary users of the system would be police and fire emergency personnel and it would enable them to communicate better with each other during an emergency and with the 9-1-1 dispatchers.
Any remaining bond proceeds may be used for additional public safety capital construction and improvements. The bonds would mature over 15 years. The approximate tax rate impact is estimated at $.44 per thousand in assessed valuation in FY 1999-2000 and less, thereafter. For example, in FY 1999-2000 a taxpayer owning property valued at $100,000 would pay an additional $44.00 in taxes per year. The estimated rate for this measure is based on the best information available at this time.
Submitted by
Mike Swaim, Mayor
on behalf of the Salem City Council

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