New Bloomfield voters to decide on $3 million bond for fire district upgrades
Erika McGuire
NEW BLOOMFIELD, Mo. (KMIZ)
For the first time, the New Bloomfield Fire Protection District is asking district voters for assistance on Aug. 5.
The district is asking voters to approve general obligation bonds for $3 million that would be used for a new fire station and other improvements.
The ballot question reads: “Shall the New Bloomfield Fire Protection District issue its general obligation bonds in the amount of $3,000,000 for the purpose of acquiring real property; constructing, furnishing and equipping a new fire station; renovating, improving and expanding existing fire station; and acquiring fire trucks, vehicles and other firefighting emergency apparatus and equipment?”
In a Facebook Post earlier this month, the fire district clarified that the planned project will be less than $3 million.
“The cost of our new building and expansion of our existing station to be significantly lower. We are asking for $3,000,000 so we can plan for the next decade (or two) for the equipment needs. Our repayment will be only on the amount we borrow,” the post said.
The project would be funded through a general obligation bond, which the district says allows it to borrow money at the lowest possible interest rate. While the district can borrow funds without voter approval, doing so would come at a higher cost, officials say.
If approved, the bond would be repaid through a property tax levy of about 11¢.
The fire district estimates that, for the average homeowner, approval of the bond measure would increase property taxes by about 8 a day, which is about $2.30 a month.
According to the district, the funding would allow for expanded and updated facilities, along with the purchase of new emergency equipment, enhancing firefighter safety, improving response times, and strengthening protection in the New Bloomfield community.
Callaway sample ballotDownload
This is the only question on the special election ballot in Callaway County.