Frequently Asked Questions
The Godfrey Fire Protection District’s April bond issue is a proposal to provide funding to maintain our emergency services by: |
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Why does our community need a new fire station?
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Our community’s two fire stations, which are used 24 hours a day, seven days a week, are simply worn out. Built nearly a half-century ago, they were designed to last 30 years. Despite regular maintenance, they are past the point of cost-effective renovation or reconstruction. Some of the challenges of the current stations are:
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What additional lifesaving equipment would be funded by this proposal?
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While the District has a thorough maintenance and repair program, equipment and facilities wear out and need repair or replacement. In addition to the new fire station, this proposal would provide funding to replace aging equipment including:
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Where will the new station be built? |
The new station would be built at 3023 Godfrey Rd. (the Hi-Way House property). We have an agreement with the Village to acquire this site for our new station if our bond proposal is successful.
This site is shovel ready, which saves significant money in construction costs. There is ample room to construct a fire station providing the needed space for up-to-date apparatus and supplies, the facilities required for around-the-clock use by our firefighters, and needed room for growth to meet the ever-increasing demand for emergency services. This centrally located site provides easier access to our community. At present, when both stations must respond to emergency calls, the second truck arrives 4 to 5 minutes after the first since it must travel across town. By being centrally located in a single station, both trucks should arrive simultaneously, providing more personnel to address the emergency. While there will be a slight increase in fire department response times to some parts of our District, this will not change the response time of the ambulance companies. In emergencies requiring two engine responses, we will have more firefighters on the scene faster than with our current two station configuration. |
What are the advantages of a new fire station? |
In addition to significant long term cost savings from operating out of a single new and efficient to maintain building, a new station provides immediate access to Godfrey Road close to Martin Luther King Drive (Il 67), space for training programs, modern drive-thru bays for trucks and other apparatus, and proper space for medical and other supplies. Plus, there is room to grow if ever that is needed.
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Why does the District need updated fire trucks?
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The District currently has equipment that’s more than 20 years old. Revenue from this bond proposal will allow us to implement a regular replacement schedule for these aging vehicles.
We typically respond to medical calls in a rescue pickup truck. These trucks generally need replacement every 10 years. After 10 years, not only do we face expensive challenges with upkeep, maintenance and repair, but when old parts start failing, the trucks themselves become unreliable in emergency situations. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends front-line trucks be replaced every 12 to 15 years, and reserve trucks be replaced every 20 years. The new trucks will take up to a year and a half to order, build and be put into service. |
What are the advantages of newer trucks?
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Updated trucks will meet NFPA standards, and will be more energy-efficient and safer for our community and first responders. Newer model trucks are more compact and easier to maneuver through neighborhoods. They are also easier to clean, improving the ability to remove carcinogens after fires and other emergency responses.
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How many emergency calls does the Godfrey Fire Protection District respond to each year? |
Last year, our firefighters, paramedics and EMTs responded to 2,074 emergency calls. Approximately 77% of those runs were for medical emergencies and medical assists (lift assists).
Our District serves thousands of residents and visitors, including one college, a facility for those with developmental disabilities and multiple centers for senior citizens. We often casually use words like “lifesaving,” but our firefighters are there for you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to answer your call. |
Why does this proposal save tax dollars in the long run?
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Because of the condition of our stations and equipment, something must be done. After reviewing every option available, it came down to two choices:
When taking into account construction and renovation costs for two buildings rather than one, and then looking at operation and maintenance costs, over three or four decades, on two buildings rather than one larger and more efficient new building, it was clear. This is the most cost-effective and affordable path for moving forward. There is no “do nothing” option. Something must be done to improve the facilities for our firefighters and provide needed space for emergency medical and fire equipment and supplies. |
Will there be any disruption in service?
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No. That is one of the most important advantages of this plan. While the new station is being built, we will continue to use our two existing stations until it’s ready for use. Then we simply move in with no disruption in service. That’s a huge advantage when compared to the renovation or construction of stations at their current site.
Both of our current stations are overcrowded as it is, so there is not enough space to store equipment from both stations while work is being done on one of them. Continuing to provide high-quality emergency services while this work was being done is expensive and complex. There is simply no easy way to address this challenge. |
What will happen to the old stations?
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The District has an agreement with the Village to trade our two existing stations for the property on Godfrey Road, where the new station will be located. The Village plans on using one station for its own purposes. The other will be auctioned. This is a win-win-win for the Village, our District and our residents.
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Why is this a good time for this proposal?
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First, we really don’t have a choice. Something must be done or the District will be forced to spend a lot of money trying to keep our worn-out stations functional. This is literally putting good money after bad and is a long-term waste of tax dollars. Remodeling our old stations is only a Band-Aid approach that adds five to 10 years to their life, whereas a new facility is a 50-plus year investment.
Second, this is a great time for bond financing with interest at record lows. Third, a centrally located site is available for our use. It’s time to move forward. |
What does this mean to property taxpayers?
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For the owner of a $100,000 house (market value — what you could sell your house for), property taxes will increase by $41.02 per year until the bonds are retired. This is well under a dollar a week (78.8 cents) and about a dime a day (11.2 cents). The bonds will be retired in 20 years after which the portion of the overall tax rate dedicated to retiring that debt, unless repurposed by voters, will end. In the long run, this is a cost-effective investment for providing quality emergency services to our community.
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Will this proposal fund salaries or benefits?
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No, funding from the bond proposal can only be used for capital improvements like equipment purchases or updates to our facilities. These funds cannot be used for salaries or benefits for our employees.
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What is a bond issue?
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A bond issue is a way for the District to borrow money for major equipment purchases, complete major facility improvements, or construct new facilities, much like a home mortgage or home improvement loan, which must be repaid over a period of time. In this election, a fire district must get permission from 50% of its residents to borrow the money.
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Can I visit the current fire stations to see their condition firsthand?
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We will soon be announcing plans to host open houses so that our residents can visit our stations and see the conditions leading to this proposal. The specifics of these open houses will depend on progress with the COVID-19 pandemic. We will make sure everyone has a chance to learn when these open houses will be held. And, of course, our stations are always “open” to the public. Anytime you want to stop by, just give us a heads up by calling 618-466-0131 and we’ll make sure someone is available to give you a tour.
All steps will be taken to make sure your visit will be safe given COVID-19 realities. |
How will the Godfrey Fire Protection District April Bond Proposal appear on the ballot?
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Shall Godfrey Fire Protection District be authorized to acquire real estate, construct, equip and furnish a new fire station, demolish an existing fire station, and acquire fire and rescue apparatus and equipment and issue its general obligation bonds in the principal amount of $7,500,000.00 for the purpose of paying the costs thereof?
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How and when can I vote?
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Election Day is Tuesday, April 6 and early voting starts Monday, March 22. Visit the Madison County Election Authority website for information about voter registration, polling places, absentee, early and all other voting information, and Election Day details.
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