On April 8th, we will have the opportunity to vote on an important issue that directly affects the safety and wellbeing of our community. Our ballot question is:

Shall Odessa Fire & Rescue Protection District issue its general obligation bonds in the amount of $6,845,000 for the purpose of acquiring real property; constructing, improving, renovating, repairing, furnishing and equipping new and existing fire stations; and acquiring fire trucks, vehicles and other firefighting and emergency apparatus and equipment, including facilities and equipment now leased to the District?

What does this mean?

A General Obligation bond, or “G.O.” allows our District to borrow for the purchase of firefighting and emergency equipment at the lowest rate possible. Our District can borrow anytime without a vote, but it’s more expensive. The repayment of these bonds would be supported by a property tax levy of about 12₵.

Our projects will NOT be $6,845,000. We anticipate the cost of a new fire truck, two new ambulances and refinancing our existing high-interest lease to be approximately $2,200,000. We are asking for $6,845,000 so we can plan for the next decade (or two) of equipment needs. Our levy is based on ONLY the amount borrowed, or $2,200,000. (No bond funds may not be spent on salaries.)

What this allows us to do:

·         Enhanced Fire Safety: The bond will allow us to purchase new a new fire truck and two new ambulances. All our trucks are 20 years or older. If any of our trucks fail us, we lose our ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies.

·         Community Protection: New, more reliable equipment means our fire district can offer improved protection to homes, businesses, and schools in our District.

How Much will it cost ME?

Approval of the bond issuance will increase a homeowner’s property* levy in Odessa by about 12-cents per $100 of assessed value or, for the average home*, about $6.35 a month. The following will help you determine how this project may affect your home’s property levy[1].

Even the most expensive homes can, for less than 25₵ a day, help protect our homes and families.

Your Vote Matters

Your decision will shape the future of our community. A positive outcome will ensure the safety and security of all residents for years to come. Our Board of Trustees unanimously voted to place this on the April 8th ballot. They urge everyone to please take vote on this important District improvement.

YOUR VOTE COUNTS!

[1] The following is the formula to determine how this effects a farm property. County’s Value of the farm X 12% = assessed value (AV). AV divided by 100 = taxable units. Taxable units X levy (0.12). So a 1,000,000 farm would use this formula: 1,000,000 X 12% = 120,000. 120,000 / 100 = 1,200.  1,200 x 0.12 = $144.10 annually or $12.01 per month (on a mortgage).