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Community committee and board back Nov. 4 Bettendorf police‑station referendum as a public‑safety investment
Summary
Presenters said the current Bettendorf Police Department building is undersized and outdated and asked voters to approve a $27 million bond referendum on Nov. 4 to build a new station; the school board read and affirmed a resolution reaffirming partnership with the police department.
A community advocacy team presented the city’s case for a Nov. 4 bond referendum to build a new Bettendorf police station and asked the school board for its support at the Sept. 11 meeting.
Former superintendent Jim Spelog, who led the presentation, said a facilities study concluded the police department needs roughly 40,000 square feet and modern infrastructure; the current building is about 10,000 square feet and dates to 1959. Spelog said options such as remodeling city hall or repurposing another building were evaluated and found inadequate or too costly, and the proposed site is on city‑owned land north of the post office near maintenance facilities.
The presenters outlined three pillars for support: public safety improvements, workflow efficiency and recruitment/retention advantages for police staff. Spelog said evidence handling, equipment storage and daily workflows are constrained in the current building and that a modern station would “improve safety and security for all involved.” He told the board the referendum requires a 60% supermajority under state law because bonds for this purpose cannot be issued without voter approval.
The presenters also noted a community survey and a construction contingency arrangement that they said caps the referendum package at $27 million. The advocacy team asked residents to reach the 60% threshold on Nov. 4.
School board response: The board read and affirmed a consensus resolution stating the district “reaffirms our valued partnership with the Bettendorf Police Department” and supports “strategic efforts that increase public safety resources and reduce first‑responder response times.” The board thanked committee members for presenting information to the district and community.
Ending: Presenters and board members urged voters to review the plan and to participate in the Nov. 4 referendum; no district spending or formal fiscal commitment beyond the resolution was announced at the meeting.
