A vote in favor of the GRFD bond will authorize the authority to issue bonds. The authority has provided some information on the projects for which it plans to use these funds. The total cost of the bonds including principal and interest is $45.2 million.
$5.25 million to be used to repay existing debt
Some bond proceeds will be used to retire debt assumed when GRFD merged with the Mountain Vista Fire Department in 2017. The interest on this debt is currently being paid from the GRFD operations and maintenance budget. This amount will "... provide funding to pay for firefighter equipment and apparatus..." (Source: GRFD Bond Information Pamphlet).
Bond funds, can be used for anything that relates to their general purpose
The GRFD Bond information pamphlet lists projects that total $26.6 million. These are detailed in the bond information pamphlet. These are intended purposes.
The ballot measure does not include these projects. It includes a broad statement of the purpose fo the bonds. GRFD does not have to use the money for these intended projects. GRFD can used these funds for any facilities and facility related purposes. Thus, we reviewed the project list and identified several items to consider.
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| Source: GRFD Bond Information Pamphlet |
$3million in Arroyo Grande station funding could be a placeholder
There are projects listed in the pamphlet that appear to be "placeholders."
One such project is the building of a facility for Arroyo Grande. Today Arroyo Grande is an open wash. There are no plans for Oro Valley to annex it. It is likely that it will lay barren for years to come. However, the bond request is for a $3million station there. What will GRFD do with these funds since there is likely no need for this station?
Other potential "placeholder" items include:
- There are no architectural drawings in place for the $1.8 million remodel of station 375
- A $2 million land acquisition is listed. It is for undefined purposes
- Communication towers for a cost of $500,000. Pima and GRFD my collaborate on this.
The county estimates that a home valued at $250,000 will experience a $34 per year tax to pay for this bond.
The bond tax assessment could last 30 years
Bonds generally have a 30 year term with a provision to repay the debt starting after year 10. However, the voter information packet indicates that the term will be 26 years.
Today, the county mails your ballot
This completes LOVE’s special series on “Get To Know GRFD”. Our postings and the information pamphlet voters received provide ample information for voters to make an informed decision.
Today, the county mails your ballot. The decision on whether the measure passes or fails is up to you.
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