Proposition S: A Capital improvement bond issue
What is Proposition S?
On April 2, 2024, Pattonville Fire Protection District is asking you to vote on Proposition S, a capital improvement bond issue that will not cause any new or increased taxes to our community. Proposition S will allow the Pattonville Fire Protection District to acquire and equip lifesaving ambulances, firefighting and rescue apparatus, and other vehicles; acquire technologically advanced lifesaving medical, firefighting, and auxiliary equipment; acquire, construct, maintain, improve, equip, and furnish fire stations and associated infrastructure; acquire land necessary for future building needs; and refinance prior obligations of the District used to finance previously purchased equipment, vehicles and facilities.
Zero tax increase & No new taxes
Proposition S is a continuation of the capital improvement bond issue originally awarded by our community in 2008. Conservative spending coupled with fiscal accountability allowed that funding to provide equipment and facility updates for sixteen years. Proposition S will support equipment and facility updates and maintenance for the foreseeable future without changing the existing tax base.
CONTINUE TO PROVIDE THE BEST
Proposition S will ensure that the Pattonville Fire Protection District can continue to provide the highest level of firefighting, EMS and rescue services possible to the residents and guests of our community with the best, most technologically advanced, life-saving vehicles, tools and equipment in the industry. Firefighting and emergency medical service technology evolves rapidly to meet new challenges. These upgrades enhance service capabilities and improve the safety of both residents and Paramedic/Firefighters alike. Proposition S will ensure that cutting-edge equipment is available to save your family when seconds count.
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
The Pattonville Fire Protection District is among only 1% of fire departments nationwide to have been awarded a Public Protection Class 1 rating by the Insurance Services Office (ISO). This designation is awarded to only two of the forty-two fire departments in St. Louis County, only eight of the 1365 fire departments in Missouri, and only 503 of 37,983 fire departments nationwide. An ISO Class 1 rating represents the delivery of superior fire protection services to our community and translates into decreased insurance premiums for property owners. Proposition S will provide the resources necessary to continue our ISO Class 1 fire protection rating into the future.
FIRE STATION INVESTMENT
Proposition S will provide the resources necessary to maintain, repair and upgrade our fire station infrastructure. Fire stations are essential for maintaining operational readiness, ensuring the safety of personnel, protecting valuable assets, and upholding the safety of the community. Investing in the maintenance and upkeep of fire station infrastructure enhances the effectiveness of the fire district, ultimately contributing to the overall safety and well-being of our community. Pattonville Fire Protection District is committed to building fire stations that will serve for a minimum of thirty years. Fire Station #2 at 3365 McKelvey Road in Bridgeton was built in 1994, and has performed well in the thirty years since. Our calls for emergency services are now higher than ever before and it is forecasted that an additional, third ambulance will soon be necessary to meet the emergency medical needs of our community. Proposition S will provide the resources required to acquire real estate and construct a fire station that can house the emergency personnel and equipment essential to meet the growing emergency service demands of the fire district.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & COMMUNITY RESILIENCE
Proposition S will enhance our community's overall emergency preparedness and resilience, and play a pivotal role in mitigating risks, minimizing damage, and safeguarding lives and property
What will Proposition S Be Used for?
FIRE STATION INFRASTRUCTURE REINVESTMENT
Relocate and rebuild Fire Station #2; Construction of storage buildings; Create additional parking at Pattonville Fire Protection District Headquarters.
Anticipated total cost of land acquisition, construction, furnishings, and associated professional fees: $10,647,000.
The Pattonville Fire District is an ISO Class 1 rated fire protection district. This rating signifies the highest level of community fire protection. The Fire District is one of only 503 fire departments in the United States to receive a Class 1 rating out of the Nation’s total 37,983 fire departments. The review by a third-party evaluator scores the department on its abilities in providing water supply, 911 communications, operations, training, and community risk reduction. A portion of the assessment is based on the location of fire stations. The ISO’s assessment process identifies current and future growth within the community and emergency call volume. The current location of Fire Station #2 is restricted and unable to accommodate a larger facility that will meet the District’s future needs and goals. Identifying real estate in the immediate area with a larger footprint will accommodate future expansion of personnel and apparatus, including the forecasted addition of a third ambulance in the near future to meet the growing emergency medical needs of our community.
Additional parking near the front entrance of the Fire District’s Headquarters / Administration building will allow greater accessibility for community training and public events. The construction of storage buildings will provide secure housing for specialized emergency response apparatus and equipment that is currently being exposed to outside elements.
AMBULANCE, FIREFIGHTING and RESCUE VEHICLE FLEET REPLACEMENTS
Replace the fleet of emergency apparatus including ambulances, a 75-ft ladder truck, a rescue engine/pumper truck, a 98-ft tower ladder truck, boats, trailers, command staff vehicles, and several support units.
Anticipated cost of fleet replacement: $9,890,000.
With a continually aging fleet of emergency apparatus, the Fire District must continually prepare for the regular replacement of ambulances, fire trucks, specialty response units, and command staff vehicles. The Fire District’s fleet of emergency apparatus is monitored on a replacement cycle to identify repair and replacement charges that exceed the costs of new apparatus. Our established and proven fleet replacement rotation calls for fire trucks to be replaced every ten to fifteen years. Ambulances are so heavily used to serve our community that they must be replaced every five years in order to guarantee mechanical reliability and provide the best in technological advancements. Apparatus construction times currently being prolonged beyond three to four years, forcing the Fire District to project the logistical needs and replacement programs much earlier than ever before. The price of new fire apparatus is currently estimated from $1,100,000-$1,800,000 each, depending upon type (engine vs. ladder, etc.). Ambulance replacement costs are estimated at $416,000 per ambulance.
ISO rating schedules require the Fire District to respond with two ladder trucks and one engine company for fire protection purposes. After the replacement cycle on apparatus has been completed, the former fleet is liquidated for resale or placed in reserve status. Repair schedules have forced the fire district to double the number of apparatus held in reserve status.
EMS EQUIPMENT ENHANCEMENTS
Purchase new technologies in EMS equipment that enhances medical care and improves patient outcomes.
Cost to purchase and replace EMS equipment: $584,000.00
The Fire District’s cardiac monitor/defibrillators were recently determined to be beyond their service lifespan and no longer provided reliable medical care capabilities. Purchasing new, lifesaving emergency medical equipment including automated chest compression delivery devices, technologically advanced cardiac monitor/defibrillators, portable ventilators, and mobile IV infusion pumps will contribute to our Paramedic/Firefighters’ ability to save lives when seconds count. Replacing our current ambulance stretchers will protect our patients and prevent injuries among Paramedic/Firefighters during EMS calls. Acquiring technologically advanced medical simulation training aids will expand our Paramedic/Firefighters’ skills and care-giving capabilities resulting in their enhanced ability to save lives.
FIRE AND RESCUE EQUIPMENT ADVANCEMENTS
Purchase new technology and equipment that enhances the efficiency of emergency scene operations, contributes to the ability to save lives, decreases property damage, and improves the safety of Pattonville’s Paramedic/Firefighters.
Cost to purchase and replace of firefighting and rescue equipment: $1,259,000.
Reliable communications equipment provides real-time information about the location of victims and efforts of firefighting personnel, the status of the fire fight, and many other pertinent details. This allows firefighters to make informed decisions and adapt their strategies accordingly, leading to better outcomes and ultimately saving lives. Effective communications infrastructure promotes incident scene coordination, thereby ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and deployed when and where they are needed most. The Fire District is in dire need of new handheld radios and onboard apparatus communications equipment to replace current devices that are obsolete, can no longer be repaired, and have been declared end-of-life by their manufacturer. The new radios will have enhanced safety features, better communications reliability between Paramedic/Firefighters, and improved battery life.
The Fire District must replace all of our current self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and air cylinders. Paramedic/Firefighters wear these devices inside dangerous environments to protect their lungs from the harmful products contained in smoke and chemically-contaminated air. SCBAs must be replaced regularly to ensure compliance with required safety standards, to maintain equipment reliability and performance, and to provide Paramedic/Firefighters with access to the latest safety advancements and equipment improvements. The current fleet of SCBA’s and air cylinders are at the end of their serviceable lifespan and must be replaced due to frequent equipment failures and excessive wear and tear as a result of regular use in extreme environmental conditions (high heat, excessive smoke, etc.) despite thorough cleaning, care and maintenance practices.
Infrared thermal imaging cameras allow fire suppression forces to see in zero-visibility smoke conditions, find victims inside burning structures, and to locate hidden and smoldering fires. The advancement of thermal imaging technology and limited equipment lifespans requires these devices to be upgraded every five to ten years.
PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Purchase new and refurbish existing public education safety trailers and equipment.
Cost to purchase equipment and refurbish the public education safety house: $120,000.
Prevention programs have long been proven to be the best form or protection from the dangers of fire. The Fire District’s safety house and public education program trailers require replacement and remodeling to continue to effectively demonstrate the hazards of fire and recommended home safety practices. Plans also include replacing teaching aids used in preschool and elementary school fire safety demonstrations, as well as the purchase of a fire extinguisher training simulator to safely teach lay persons to use a fire extinguisher in both the residential and commercial environments under realistic circumstances.
questions?
Thank you for allowing us to explain Proposition S. Please do not hesitate to contact Fire Chief Jim Usry at the Pattonville Fire Protection District Headquarters at 314-739-3118 or at jusry@pattonvillefd.com with any questions that you may have.
The information provided herein regarding Proposition S is presented for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to persuade any voter’s opinion(s) or decision(s). This website is paid for by the Pattonville Fire Protection District; 13900 St. Charles Rock Road; Bridgeton, MO 63044. Bob Soutier - Fire District Treasurer.