COLUMBUS, Neb. - It's official. Columbus residents will vote in May to approve the issuance of bonds that will be paid back with the city's current sales tax rate.
The Columbus City Council unanimously approved to put the issue on the ballot in May's primary election. If approved, $16 million of sales tax money will go towards building a new police station on 14th St. between 23rd and 24th Ave, and a new fire station just off Howard Blvd. between 46th and 47th Ave, east of Cubbies gas station.
Mayor Bulkley made a point to say in the meeting that no taxes will be raised if the voters approve the measure.
"This is not a sales tax increase, it's not an increase in anyway in that regard. The voters approved the continuation of the half cent sales tax," says Bulkley.
City administrator Tara Vasicek said that the city has been working several years on the project and has already invested money in the design phase.
The bond issuance would also go towards the demolition of the existing fire station, as well as demolishing a building on the property the police station will go, which was formerly the site of Gene Steffy Ford.
In order to increase response time, the city would also add living space to the Charlie Louis Fire Station, which currently does not have a full-time staff. The move would allow the fire department to better serve east Columbus. That would be funded separately from the bonds.
Vasicek also said that the city hopes to use the new police and fire facilities for 40-plus years.
The primary election is May 15th.
Columbus City Council Approves Putting Police & Fire Station Bond Issue on May Ballot
