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Council reviews $16 million ballot language for proposed firehouse general obligation bond
Summary
Council reviewed ballot language for a Nov. 4, 2025 general obligation bond referendum authorizing up to $16 million to construct, furnish and equip a new municipal firehouse on Twelfth Street Southwest; staff said the latest estimate is about $15.45 million and noted donations could reduce the borrowing need.
The Le Mars City Council reviewed proposed ballot language on Aug. 19 for a general obligation bond referendum to fund a new municipal firehouse.
Ballot language prepared by the law firm Dorsey & Whitney reads in part: "Shall the City of Le Mars in Plymouth County, State of Iowa, enter into a loan agreement and issue general obligation bonds in the amount not exceeding $16,000,000 for the purpose of paying the cost to construct, furnish, and equip a municipal firehouse?" The proposed firehouse would be located on a lot on Twelfth Street Southwest that the city purchased.
Staff told council the latest project estimate is about $15.45 million; staff said the city’s planning goal remains lower (roughly $12.5 million) assuming donations and other contributions, but the ballot language sets a $16 million cap so the city can borrow up to that amount if needed. Staff emphasized setting a cap does not obligate the city to borrow the full amount.
Council discussion in the transcript focused on clarifying the estimate and the rationale for the higher cap. The record provided does not include a formal motion or recorded vote on adoption of the ballot language in the excerpt provided; staff recommended council approval of the language for inclusion on the Nov. 4, 2025 ballot.
