Bettendorf council places up to $27 million bond issue for new police station on Nov. 4 ballot

The Bettendorf City Council unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday calling a special election Nov. 4 on issuing not to exceed $27,000,000 in general obligation bonds or capital loan notes to finance construction of a new police station.

Supporters of the measure addressed the council during the public comment period, urging voters to back what they called a public-safety investment. Jim Spellhaug, one of three leaders of the “Yes for Public Safety” effort, told the council the city’s police facilities “no longer serve the needs of a 20th century police force” and said the committee believes the council has “served well your fiduciary duties” in bringing a financing proposal forward.

“Public safety is the responsibility of each individual in this community,” Spellhaug said. “We have the opportunity this evening, we hope, the council will unanimously approve the referendum that would finance the building of a new police station.” Another committee leader, Kapler, joined Spellhaug in urging support for the referendum.

Council member Nauman introduced the resolution and moved its approval. After a roll-call vote, council members voted unanimously to place the bond question on the Nov. 4 ballot.

The resolution calls only for a public referendum on the issuance of general obligation bonds or capital loan notes up to the stated amount; the council provided no further financing detail during Tuesday’s meeting. According to the motion, final financing terms and any project design or contract awards would follow the referendum outcome and then be handled through the city’s normal procurement and budgeting processes.

With the resolution approved, the bond question will appear on the Nov. 4 special election ballot for Bettendorf voters to decide.