No tax increase

One is for $3 million in drainage improvements and the second is $3 million to purchase new fire apparatus and outdoor warning devices (storm sirens). The two combined bonds of $6 million will not raise property taxes for the citizens. The city of Del City will be paying off a previous bond early and these proposed bonds will replace what is being paid off.

There will be a question on the ballot for drainage improvements in the city that will consist of three main projects that have been deemed the top priorities by city staff. The projects include: The rechanneling and widening of Cherry Creek, adding two retention ponds and an additional barrel under S.E. 44th Street, the diversion of water that flows onto Lariet Lane out of the cemetery and drainage improvements to the area of Judy, Hisel and Leslie storm sewer to alleviate significant street flooding. If money is available after completion of these projects, it will be used on other drainage projects.

The other question on the ballot will be to purchase new fire apparatus (fire trucks) and outdoor warning devices (storm sirens). These projects include: the purchase of a 75-foot Quint (fire truck with a 75-foot ladder on top); two fire engines; and if money is available, two 4-by-4 brush pumpers; and replacing the current storm sirens with new ones that will have voice capability and can be used one at a time or all at the same time.

The storms sirens in the city are out of date, with some going back to the original air-raid sirens. They are very costly to maintain, due to their age and will not meet new Federal Communications Commission guidelines that are required starting January 2012.

The current fleet of vehicles in the fire department has reached the end of its useful life, which is increasing time out of service and costly repairs. In the last 5 and a half years repair costs have exceeded $166,000.

These failures and out-of-service times jeopardize the firefighters and citizens of the community.

Please get out and vote July 12.

Remember that these proposed bonds WILL NOT RAISE PROPERTY TAXES.

— Jim Hock, Fire Chief Del City Fire Department

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