Ozark Fire Protection District General Obligation Bond
2021 Proposition Fire Projects Update
Our community deserves exceptional emergency services, and we are dedicated maintaining well-trained, well-equipped and strategically positioned firefighters.
In 2020, we initiated a strategic planning process to identify key initiatives and issues impacting our services. This effort led to the development of a comprehensive 10-year capital plan, which proposed a bond to address significant concerns with our facilities and equipment. With robust voter support, we advanced a funding plan of $12.5 million. Together, we are committed to improving the effectiveness and efficiency of our emergency services, ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.
Station # 2 Lease Obligation
The approval of this bond allowed the District to eliminate the outstanding lease of $1,443,516.99 related to the 2019 Fire Station #2, which was finalized prior to the bond issuance in November 2021. By paying off this lease, the District has reduced its financial commitments and successfully added three new firefighter positions, thereby improving our staffing and enhancing our emergency response capabilities.
Fire Station #1
Fire Station #1 houses a crew of four (4) firefighters, a battalion chief, and administrative staff. It was built in 1983 and is in a flood zone with a history of serious flooding requiring repairs and remediation. It is located within a space with limited training, expansion, and parking access. It does not provide adequate space for additional firefighters, administrative staff, or apparatus. In April 2022, a significant investment was made with the purchase of 12 acres at 911 N 9th St for the development of Fire Station 1 and a training facility. This land acquisition, totaling $701,798.65, aims to enhance our community's emergency response capabilities and provide essential training resources for our firefighters. The new facility will not only improve operational efficiency but also ensure better service for our residents. The $6.5 Million remaining Bond Funds have been allocated for the project that is currently in progress with construction planned to begin in July 2025.
Fire Station #3
Fire Station #3 was built in 1990 when volunteer firefighters served the District; the station was not originally designed or constructed for full-time firefighters. In 2014, full-time staffing was added so that two (2) full-time firefighters were always on duty. In January 2021, firefighters had to be relocated to Station #1 out of concern for their health and safety from air quality and mold issues. A significant remodel costing $1,500,000 was undertaken to address the mold issue, which included enhancements to the interior and the addition of a new gym, decontamination room, and gear storage on the north side. This comprehensive project was successfully completed in November 2023 and now accommodates 2-3 firefighters. The upgraded facility ensures safe and efficient environment for our dedicated emergency responders.
Training Facilities
Training facilities are critical for firefighters to practice and prepare for emergencies. The Ozark Fire District does not have a training facility or the space to provide firefighters with opportunities to enhance skills and proficiency. To meet the training requirements of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) or the Insurance Services Office (ISO), we are required to take our crews out-of-service so they can train in neighboring Districts, which include Nixa, Battlefield, Logan-Rogersville, and Springfield. The Proposed solution is to build a training facility that is centrally located within the District. This will allow our crews to train with other public safety agencies.
2012 HME Aerial
The District recognized the urgent need for an aerial apparatus, leading to purchase of a pre-owned 2012 HME 75-foot Aerial for $399,000 in May 2022. An additional $100,000 was designated for new equipment, ensuring the aerial is outfitted with the latest upgrades. Currently, this aerial apparatus is at Station #1. This investment underscores the District's commitment to upholding high standards of safety and efficiency in its operations.
2023 Spartan Pumper/Tender
In April 2022, the District made a significant investment in public safety by purchasing a 2023 Spartan 2,000 Gallon Pumper/Tender for $622,087 with an additional $100,000 designated for new equipment. This advanced firefighting apparatus is stationed at Station #3 and was officially put into service in December 2023. The acquisition not only strengthens our firefighting capabilities but also reflects our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. With this new equipment, we are better equipped to respond to emergencies and protect our residents effectively.
2024 F-550 Brush Truck
In September 2023, we made a major investment by acquiring a 2024 F-550 Chassis for $70,000. As of January 2025, we are undergoing a comprehensive up-fitting process costing $287,514. This up-fitting is designed to enhance the chassis’ capabilities and align it with our specific operational requirements. We are enthusiastic about the possibilities this investment will bring to our operations.
2024 E-One 75 Foot Aerial
In August 2024, we made a significant by purchasing a new 2024 E-One 75 Foot Aerial for $1,400,000. As of January 2025, the apparatus is in Illinois undergoing final modifications before its delivery. Upon delivery, we will also have allocate an additional $100,000 for equipment and up-fitting to ensure it meets our operational needs. This new addition enhance our existing fleet, which includes the 2012 HME that will remain in service as a reserve aerial to support the District's emergency response efforts.
Other Equipment
Without the support of the Citizens of Ozark Fire in passing the Proposition Fire Bond, the District would have faced the necessity of taking out loans to purchase the planned apparatus and land. This would have imposed a significant financial impact on the District, forcing us to draw from our Operations Budget which would have hindered our ability to hire essential staff and acquire other critical safety equipment.
Firefighters utilize a Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) that enables them to enter smoke-filled environments laden with carcinogenic gases. In 2023, the District successfully replaced our aging SCBA's with 45 new units, along with spare bottles and Rapid Intervention Packs for potential firefighter rescues.
2025 "NO TAX INCREASE" BOND RENEWAL
Why Should We Renew This Bond
Ozark Fire Protection District is committed to protecting lives, property, and the environment. However, as our community grows, so does the demand for modern facilities, equipment, and resources. Since the approval of Proposition Fire in 2021, our district has gained over 800 single and two family residences, 17 multi-family buildings that include apartment buildings, and 95 businesses and industries that have been constructed, altered, or had an addition added.
On April 8th, 2025, you will have the opportunity to vote on a $10,500,000 bond proposal that will significantly enhance the safety, preparedness, and service capabilities of our local fire district. If approved, the bond will not add cost to your taxes, but will extend the $0.17 tax levy that is already in place. The funds will directly benefit the community by helping to reduce response times to emergencies, provide your firefighters with tools and training they need to safely and effectively respond to the communities needs, and enhance the communities safety and preparedness for years to come.
The Ozark Fire District is committed to using the funds from the 2021 Proposition Fire Bond and will continue to this commitment. Regular reports are given to the Board of Directors and can be shared with anyone in our community to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the previous bond and future projects. Below, we outline the key components of this proposal and how your support will make a meaningful difference.
Completion of Fire Station #1
When Proposition Fire was approved, Ozark Fire consulted with architects prior to placing the initiative on the ballot to determine the cost of a new station. In 2020, we were informed the estimated cost for a new station would be around $4,000,000, which was included in our proposal. However, since then, overall costs have significantly increased, and the same station is now estimated to cost approximately $10,000,000. This rise in expenses has been felt nationwide, with food prices increasing by at least 25% since 2019, single-family home construction costs rising by at least 25%, and steel soaring by 50% to 65%.
As of January 2025, the District has allocated from the 2021 Proposition Fire Bond, $6,500,000 for the construction of Station 1, but an additional $2-3 million will be needed to complete the project.
Training Center
Training facilities are critical for firefighters to practice and prepare for emergencies. A state-of-the-art training facility will provide out firefighters with the necessary skills to handle complex emergencies, including hazardous materials incidents, advanced rescue scenarios, and enhance fire suppression. Ozark Fire Protection District does not have a training facility or the space to provide firefighters with opportunities to enhance skills and proficiency. To meet the training requirements of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) or the Insurance Services Office (ISO) we are required to take our crews out-of-service so they can train in neighboring Districts, which include Nixa, Battlefield, Logan-Rogersville, and Springfield. The propose solution is to build a training facility that is centally located within the District. This will allow our crews to train with other public safety agencies and be available for calls.
Aerial Apparatus
Aerial
New Engine
Engine
Two Tankers
Tanker
Rescue Equipment
Rescue
Land for Future Station 4
Land