The Silverton Rural Fire Protection District is asking voters to approve a $4.3 million general obligation bond in the May 19 vote-by-mail election.
The fire district said the bond is needed to improve fire safety and service delivery.
If voters approve the bond, it would provide funds for capital costs to:
• Purchase and equip firefighting apparatus.
• Refurbish three existing pumpers to make safety improvements and improve reliability.
• Upgrades and safety improvements to existing fire apparatus and equipment.
• Replace Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus.
• Purchase firefighting and rescue equipment.
• Repair and safety upgrades to the Fire District training tower and burn room
• Improvements, repairs to the five district fire stations.
• Pay associated bond issuance costs
Bonds would mature in a period not to exceed 16 years from the issue date and may be issued in one or more series. The initial tax rate is estimated to be approximately $0.28 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Based on this estimate, the bond tax rate is not expected to increase from the 2014-15 rate due to the retirement of existing debt and is estimated not to increase taxes.
