Bond Progress
Proposition Fire — Approved
Thank you to the community for your support! Voters approved Proposition Fire, authorizing the Brookline Fire Protection District to issue $10 million in general obligation bonds. These funds are being used to enhance emergency services, upgrade equipment, and construct a new fire station to better serve our community.
Project Status
| Project | Estimated Budget | Status |
|---|---|---|
| New Fire Station 3 — NE Quadrant (land, design, construction) | $3.5 – $4 million | Planning |
| New Ladder Truck for Station 3 | $1.5 million | Planning |
| Replacement Pumper Engines (×3) | $2.4 million | Planning |
| Replacement / Additional Water Tenders (×3) | $825,000 | Planning |
| Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus — SCBA (×40 packs) | $340,000 | Planning |
| Replacement Bunker Gear (×70 sets) | $420,000 | Planning |
| P-25 Compliant Radio System Upgrade | TBD | Planning |
| Medical Equipment (Cardiac Monitors, AEDs) | TBD | Planning |
| Station Updates and Repairs | TBD | Planning |
Check back for updates as projects move from planning into procurement and construction.
About the Bond
The $10 million general obligation bond funds critical improvements across the district. Key areas include:
New Fire Station 3
A new staffed station in the northeastern quadrant of the district — the region with 65% of our call volume — is expected to reduce response times from 8 minutes 27 seconds to under 5 minutes. Funding covers land acquisition, architectural and engineering design, and construction.
Apparatus Replacement
- Three replacement pumper engines ($800,000 each) to bring the fleet into NFPA compliance. Currently two front-line engines exceed 10 years of age and one exceeds 25 years.
- A new ladder truck for Station 3 ($1.5 million). The current ladder truck exceeds 20 years old.
- Three water tenders ($225,000 each) to replace units that exceed 20 years old.
Protective Equipment
- 40 SCBA packs ($8,500 each) to bring the department into compliance with updated NFPA SCBA standards.
- 70 sets of replacement bunker gear ($6,000 per set).
Communications
Replacement of personnel, apparatus, and station radios with P-25 compliant units that can access the MOSWIN system, making the department NIMS compliant with State of Missouri Emergency Operations Plans. Current Motorola 1500 radios have been discontinued by the manufacturer.
Medical Equipment
Replacement and additional cardiac monitors and AEDs to ensure life-saving devices are available on all apparatus.
Station Updates
Needed updates and repairs to existing fire stations to make them safe, functional, and welcoming to the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a general obligation bond?
A general obligation bond is a type of municipal bond backed by the full taxing authority of the issuing government entity. Voters authorize the bond, which allows the district to borrow a set amount for capital projects and repay it over time through a property tax levy.
How will the bond be issued?
The Board of Directors is committed to keeping the levy as low as possible by issuing bonds in phases — only when funds are needed to complete a specific purchase or project. This approach keeps the additional levy at the lowest amount possible at any given time. The district estimates the bonds will be issued in three steps over approximately four years.
When will we see the improvements?
A new station is planned to come online approximately two years after the first bond issuance, including a new ladder truck. Remaining truck and equipment purchases will take place over the following three to five years as bond phases are issued.
Who oversees how the money is spent?
The Board of Directors governs all expenditures. Bond funds are subject to the same public oversight and Missouri Sunshine Law requirements as all district finances. Community members are welcome to attend monthly board meetings held at Station 1 on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM.