Woodburn Rural Fire
Ballot Title:
General Obligation Bond Authorization
Question:
Summary: A “yes” vote on this measure is a vote to increase taxes. This measure authorizes the District to issue general obligation bonds of not to exceed $8,500,000, to refund existing capital improvement debt; acquire real property; construct, reconstruct, expand and improve District structures; acquire fire fighting apparatus and equipment; make related improvements as funds allow and to pay all costs incidental thereto. Bonds would mature over a period of not to exceed 25 years. 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 5.526%, would be $15,303,673. The revenue (the average annual tax levy assuming a level debt service) is estimated to be $728,746. annually. The estimated property tax rate, based on the foregoing assumptions, would be $0.68 per $1000 of assessed value.
Explanatory Statement:
What will your support cost?
The District estimates that the first year cost of the bond will be 68 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, decreasing to a cost of 53 cents in its last year. That is a cost of $102 in the first year on a home valued at $150,000, or $8.50 per month, decreasing to a cost of $79.50, or $6.63 per month.
What will your support accomplish?
The Woodburn Fire District supplies fire fighting and emergency response services from five fire stations to citizens in a 75 square mile area, including the Cities of Woodburn and Gervais.
It has been 25 years since you last approved a bond issue for Woodburn Fire. That bond provided financing for two fire stations in the City of Woodburn and the purchase of a fire engine and a ladder truck.
Since 1990 your fire district has reduced its operating budget by more than $900,000 in response to the passage of Measure 5 in 1990 and Measure 47/50 in 1996. In 1991 the District had 17 fire fighting apparatus, 12 full-time employees, 70 volunteers and responded to more than 2,000 calls for assistance. In 2000 the District has 12 fire fighting apparatus, 11 full-time employees, 40 volunteers and will respond to more than 2,200 calls.
With the passage of the bond, your fire district will upgrade its stations, apparatus and equipment including, but not limited to these projects:
• Headquarters, James St, Waconda and the Broadacres stations will be remodled and/or updated to meet current and future demands.
• A training facility will be constructed. Firefighters need a training facility at which they can develop and practice their fire fighting skills. A training facility provides a controlled, safe environment in which to develop and maintain multiple skills.
• Fire fighting apparatus would be replaced. New fire engines would be purchased for the Headquarters, Gervais and James St. stations.
• A new ladder truck would be purchased to replace the one purchased 25 years ago, which is showing its age and is costly to maintain. The ladder truck will be used to rescue people from structures, elevate a large water stream to combat fires and to get firefighters onto the roofs of structures to release smoke and heat.
• Purchase two “tenders” to haul water to fires in those areas without fire hydrants.
• The Gervais Station will be replaced. A new station will allow the district to house firefighters in Gervais 24/7, if needed, and will provide for better response time both in Gervais and district wide.
Submitted by:
Kevin Hendricks, Fire Chief
Woodburn Fire District
No arguments in favor of or opposed to this measure were filed.MEASURE NO. 24-61
Protection District
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