A fire district was informed that if it didn’t build a new station, its insurance rating would decrease at its next inspection, and premiums would increase for area property owners.
Even though this district has the ability to set its millage rates, by law, the county’s governing body had to approve the district’s request for a General Obligation bond to construct the station.
TMPR worked with the district to educate residents and business owners about the impact of a new station…including the temporary tax increase that would be created to pay for the potential bond.
Affected residential and commercial interests spoke publicly to the county and requested a favorable vote on the issue. After several months, the county governing board passed an ordinance approving the bond request IF the District conducted referendum where the voters approved the bond, themselves.
One of the county council members remarked after the ordinance was approved, “You know that thing ain’t gonna pass. Don’t you?”
People volunteered to make phone calls and canvass neighborhoods. The district conducted multiple community meetings to inform residents of the project’s full scope.
With 72.14% of electors voting in in favor of the bond, the county’s condition was met, and the District built its new station.
