MEASURE NO. 24-38 Stayton Rural Fire Protection District Ballot Title: Referred to the People by the District Board General Obligation Bond Authorization Question: Shall the District be authorized to contract a general obligation bonded indebtedness in an amount not to exceed $2,500,000? If the bonds are approved, they will be payable from taxes on property or property ownership that are not subject to the limits of sections 11 and 11b, Article XI of the Oregon Constitution. Summary: A “yes” vote on this measure is a vote to increase taxes. This measure authorizes issuance of general obligation bonds of not to exceed $2,500,000, to remodel and improve fire stations; acquire fire fighting apparatus, engines and vehicles; construct storage and training facilities; construct related improvements and pay all costs. The total projected estimated cost of the bonds, principal and interest, assuming serial bonds with a final maturity in 21 years at an average annual estimated interest rate of 5.807%, would be $4,406,641. The revenue (the average annual tax levy assuming a level debt District), is estimated to be $214,958 annually. The estimated average property tax rate, based on the foregoing assumptions, would be $.3451 (cents) per $1000 of assessed value. Explanatory Statement: On November 7, 2000, the Stayton Fire District will ask voters to approve a $2,500,000 bond to provide funds to make improvements to District facilities which will enhance the District’s services and response times. Proceeds from the bonds will be used to remodel and improve fire stations, acquire fire fighting apparatus, engines and vehicles, construct storage and training facilities and other related improvements. The District’s calls for service, which include emergency medical response, structure, Wildland and vehicle fires, hazardous material spills, motor vehicle accidents, water rescues and industrial accidents, have increased by more than 400% since 1982. The District has not received voter approval to issue bonds since 1984. Proceeds from the bonds will enable to District to better serve the 107 square miles in Marion and Linn Counties and estimated population of 13,500, which comprise its service area. As a result of those improvements and enhanced services and response time, the District estimates that insurance costs will decrease by 23% for residential properties and by 27% for commercial properties within the District. The estimated average cost of the bond to the owner of a $100,000 residential property will be $.34 (cents) per thousand dollars of assessed value, or $34 annually. The District estimates that the same homeowner will see a savings of $75 annually in the form of reduced insurance premiums, a net savings of $41. The owner of a $200,000 business would pay $68 annually to support the bond and would see a savings of $420 in the form of lower insurance premiums, a net savings of $352. The District anticipates that it will not need to return to the voters for another bond issue for at least 10 years if this bond is approved. Submitted by: Ray W. Porter, Board President Stayton Fire District No arguments in favor of or opposed to this measure were filed.   Back to the November 7, 2000 Voter Pamphlet Main Page