The district has refinanced $1.1 million in eligible bonds, resulting in a savings of about $16,000 per year for the almost nine years left on the bonds, said Fire Chief Steve Brooks.
“That just lowers the assessment for taxpayers,” Brooks said. “Their tax assessment next year will actually be lower.”
The bond money was used to build the new Lacey Fire District 3 headquarters and purchase a ladder truck.
The Board of Fire Commissioners also approved a $1.3 million commissioner bond to replace aging equipment and repair the 21-year-old station off Steilacoom Road.
Commissioner bonds also will be used to purchase two new engines at the end of the year.
The commissioner bonds do not add costs to taxpayers. They are repaid through the district’s general fund using existing property tax revenue.
“Our citizens were clear with their votes last year that they expect us to weather the current economic challenges within our existing revenues, so we are doing everything we can to balance this direction with the ongoing costs of providing safe and effective services,” Brooks said in a news release.
ckrotzer@theolympian.com
