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Council votes to place up-to-$18.88 million facilities bond on November ballot
Summary
Council approved a resolution calling an election to allow the city to enter a loan agreement and issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $18,880,000 to pay costs for municipal facilities — options include new construction or renovation for a fire station, city hall, and parks & recreation facilities; the BMO building was raised
Council discussed long‑running facility needs including options to renovate the existing municipal building, build a new fire station, or pursue an acquisition such as the BMO building. Staff presented rough cost estimates prepared with ISG and explained the ballot language required to seek voter authorization for a general obligation loan agreement not to exceed $18,880,000.
Council moved and seconded a resolution to call a November ballot election on the bond question. Several councilmembers expressed support, emphasized the need for modern and safer firefighter facilities, and asked staff to continue refining cost estimates and options before the election. One councilmember raised concerns about building on the existing site because of historical foundation and flood issues and said alternative locations should continue to be sought.
Council approved placing the bond authorization question on the November ballot by roll call. Staff noted a September 18 deadline to submit ballot language to the county auditor to appear on the November ballot (transcript references the deadline and the need for action that evening).
Next steps: staff will work with ISG to refine cost estimates, complete ballot language and submit required documents to the county auditor by the stated deadline.
