Rock Community Fire District Asking for $10 Million Bond Issue

Voters heading to the polls in April will be deciding on a $10 million bond issue for the Rock Community Fire Protection District.

If approved, it would cost taxpayers between 9 and 10 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. On a $100,000 home, it would mean an additional $18 a year. On a $1 million commercial building, it would cost an extra $304 a year.

"It's the first bond issue we've ever asked for," said Chief Jim Allred. "It's strictly for capital improvement projects."

About $6 million of the bond issue would be used to refinance existing debt for previous building projects, Allred said. In 2005, voters approved a 1/2-cent sales tax for the district and lowered property taxes by 22.5 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.

"Since then, we've built a new Station No. 5, a new administration building, a new mechanics facility, a new Station No. 2 and we've rebuilt Station No. 3," he said. 

Between $2.1 and $2.3 million of the bond issue would help build a new Station No. 1, which is currently located off Jeffco Boulevard in Arnold. 

"Station No. 1 has been remodeled 11 different times throughout the years, and it's the only building we have without fire sprinklers," Allred said. "It's in bad shape."

He said plans aren't final, but one idea is to build a new firehouse behind the current one and then tear down the existing building. Another option would be to build a new firehouse at a different location. 

The rest of the money from the bond issue would pay for a new ladder aerial truck, a new pumper truck, 55 breathing apparatus masks and two breathing air compressors.

A four-sevenths majority vote is needed for the bond issue to pass.

For specifics on the district's recent history of revenues and expenditures, read the comments section in this article: Voters to Decide on Tax Increase for Rock Community Fire District.