Council authorizes staff to begin documents for Le Mars fire-station bond

Le Mars City Council on April 15 authorized staff to begin preparing documents and concept materials for a general-obligation bond issue to fund a proposed fire station on 2.14 acres in Dogwood Industrial Park.

City staff said the site comprises lots 11 and 12 of the Dogwood Industrial Park First Addition. Because the bonds will be general obligation, the issue must be submitted to the Plymouth County Auditor in September to appear on the November ballot; to meet that timeline, staff and council must begin design and public-engagement steps now.

Staff noted that initial conceptual drawings have been produced by FEH Architects and that the work being authorized is intended to deliver proof-of-concept drawings and an estimated bond amount rather than full construction plans. The city previously purchased the property with a mix of city funds and private donations, and officials said LBIC and private donors have indicated support for moving the project forward.

“I’d make a motion authorizing staff to begin preparing documents for the fire station general obligation bond issue for the November ballot,” an unnamed councilmember said. The motion was seconded, members voted in the affirmative by voice and the mayor announced the motion carried.

Council and staff discussed outreach steps similar to recent school bond efforts so voters would know the concept and cost before the election. Staff said more-detailed engineering and construction plans would follow depending on bond approval by voters.