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Del City council places $3 million public-safety bond on Aug. 25 special election
Summary
Del City will ask voters Aug. 25 to approve up to $3 million in general obligation bonds to buy a fire engine and brush/rescue unit, update the outdoor warning system and refresh police vehicles and equipment; council approved the ordinance, engaged bond counsel and set the election after recorded votes.
The Del City Council voted June 1 to place a $3 million general obligation bond before city voters in a special election scheduled for Aug. 25, 2026. City officials said proceeds would pay for a new fire engine (estimated around $1.5 million), a brush/rescue vehicle, upgrades to the outdoor warning system and new police vehicles and equipment.
Why it matters: City staff and council framed the bond as a short-term millage adjustment to finance critical public-safety equipment and to modernize an outdoor warning system last upgraded about 15 years ago. Officials said the bond proceeds would be used first for identified vehicle purchases and any remainder for additional police and fire equipment until expended.
City Manager JD Hawk requested the action and led council through ordinance and election steps, saying the measure will require a millage change and that staff will hold town halls and neighborhood meetings to explain the proposal before the election. The council approved Ordinance No. 06-01-2026B to call the special election and later approved the ordinance’s emergency clause, both by recorded voice votes.
Council also approved a professional services agreement with the Public Finance Law Group to serve as bond counsel and voted to table selection of a financial advisor for further review. Bond counsel Nate Ellis was present to answer questions and staff said additional public information sessions are planned.
What voters will see: The ordinance authorizes issuance of general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $3 million, levying an annual tax in addition to other taxes to pay principal and interest if the bonds are approved. Officials estimated the millage change would be modest on a typical residential property (council discussion characterized the effect as “about a ten-dollar” monthly amount in illustrative remarks). The city will provide official ballot language and explanatory material in advance of the election.
Next steps: With the ordinance and proclamation in place, staff said they will circulate information to neighborhood watches, service clubs and civic groups and host a town hall. The council tabled the financial-advisor decision to allow staff time for additional review.
The council adjourned after completing the bond-related votes; the special election remains scheduled for Aug. 25, 2026.
