Bond litigation on hold halts construction of three Oxnard fire stations
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Summary
Public Works told council that construction on Fire Stations 2, 3 and 4 is on hold after litigation stopped issuance of bonds that had been planned to fund those projects; design work continues using development impact fees but construction awaits litigation outcome and council reconsideration.
Council members pressed staff for details after a slide noted several projects were "on hold due to bond litigation." Public Works Director Michael Wolf said the projects — Fire Stations 2, 3 and 4 — had been identified for bond funding but construction is paused pending the outcome of bond litigation, though the city is advancing design work using development impact fees.
The City Attorney told the council litigation "put the issuance of bonds on hold that the council had already taken action to issue," and cautioned that current interest‑rate realities mean any future issuance would need council reconsideration before proceeding.
Council member Perillo asked which South Oxnard areas would be affected; Wolf confirmed Fire Stations 2 and 3 are in South Oxnard and Fire Station 4 is nearer the golf course, meaning those local coverage plans face construction delays. Wolf said staff can provide more detailed status through the city attorney if council desires.
No new legal details were provided in the workshop; the attorney declined to discuss case specifics in open session. The projects remain in design funded by development impact fees while construction is paused pending litigation resolution and a council decision on bond issuance.
Next steps identified in the presentation include providing any requested legal status updates and bringing any future bond issuance back to the council for direction.