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Crime & Safety

Metro West Voters Asked to Approve Bond Issue

Two Wildwood fire stations would be renovated, if the $19.4 million proposal passes. It's been a decade since the last bond. Many voters had not heard Proposition L would be on the ballot until recently.

Voters in the , which includes Wildwood, Ballwin, Ellisville and parts of unincorporated west St. Louis County, go to the polls on April 3 to decide whether to approve the district’s first bond issue since 2003.

The district calls Proposition L a “no tax increase” bond issue. About half the $19.4 million from Proposition L would be used to replace equipment, including ambulances and pumper trucks, near the end of their lifespans, according to district spokespeople. Also planned are renovations for four of the district’s five stations, including the two located in Wildwood. The four facilities were each built between 15 and 32 years ago.

Metro West is headquartered in Wildwood at Fire Station Three, 17065 Manchester Road. Station Five also is located in Wildwood at 18601 Starck Lane.

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The remainder of the potential Proposition L funding would be allocated to three categories:  replacing firefighters' equipment, technology upgrades and community education programs.

In February, Metro West's Battalion Chief G. Michael Krause told attendees at an the bond issues for Metro West have been on a 10-year cycle since the 1980s. "Our mission is to save your lives, and these bonds are a financial lifeline for us, essentially."

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"The last bond passed in 2003 with overwhelming approval," said Krause. "And we're hoping this new one is successful, so we can apply the funding toward capital improvements. In our world, technology changes every day."

Krause said new heart monitoring and ambulance equipment definitely is needed.

On its Web site, Metro West tells voters that its long-range plans provide for scheduled replacement of equipment and preventive maintenance of facilities over a 10-year cycle. Bond funds can only be used for capital spending, such as emergency medical equipment, ambulances, fire trucks and station construction and maintenance. None of the funds from the bond issue would be used for operating budgets or salaries.

The potential new funding would be applied toward these specific emergency preparedness programs:

  • Developing the infrastructure of Metro West Safety Town
  • Community education and injury prevention programs
  • Community Emergency Response Training for Citizens (CERT)
  • Senior safety programs for senior living communities

The $19.4 million proposal requires a supermajority of 57 percent of the vote. Approval of “Proposition L,” say district officials, means that Metro West is not scheduled to seek community approval for another bond issue for 10 years.

District leaders state passing the bond issue will not increase the district tax rate of 15 cents per $100 assessed valuation. Metro West claims that its AAA bond rating “assures the most affordable financing available.” Krause said Metro West is the only fire district in Missouri with this top rating.

He vowed that Metro West firefighters would "treat the citizens' funds with respect."

Voters interested in learning more about the measure can view a sample ballot, call Metro West at 636-821-5888 or email propLinfo@metrowest-fire.org for more information.

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