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The funds are needed to build a new firehouse.
Since last March, several financial factors beyond anyone's
control have changed, and the building plans have been modified as
well.
Lincoln Rural Fire Chief Dean Kukuck provided an update on
current conditions and costs changes. He, like the trustees, hopes
that with better understanding, voters will see the importance of
passing the referendum now. Kukuck said he thought that there are
also a few things that could be cleared up for some people and they
might vote for it this time.
Interest rates have dropped, but construction costs, concrete and
steel, have gone up. There is a lot of steel that would be used in
the proposed structure, and that cost is expected to continue
increasing.
In March the first projected costs were $1.3 million for facility
and some additional equipment; $1.1 million was for the facility.
Now the facility alone will take the full $1.3 million.
According to Kukuck, the following are issues that came to light
following the last vote:
Some people thought the building cost was high
Smaller fire departments are spending $800,000 to $1,000,000 on
buildings without living quarters.
A comparison of construction costs of like facilities, like size
and with housing showed those building costs to be higher.
Both state and national averages to build this type of facility
are between $120 and $140 per square foot. The projected Lincoln
building costs are on the low end at $90 per square foot.
Some people thought the building too big
The area is in a time of growth and the need for services will
continue to grow. The trustees wanted to plan ahead to meet future
needs in 20 to 30 years and not have the same problems they have
now.
Some people thought the building was too fancy
The original design called for brickwork partway up the front of
the building in the area of the living quarters, and it had a larger
front entry. The brick has been eliminated and the entry reduced in
size.
Some people thought the choice of building type is too costly
The trustees reviewed with the architect the places where savings
could be made. Any further changes to the proposed design sacrifice
quality that would result in a structure that would not be as sound
and might not sustain high winds during storms. The options would
also reduce the building's longevity.
Whereas a pole building of lesser costs and quality has a 33-year
warranty, the proposed design is expected to last 75 to 100 years.
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 Some people thought that the general obligation
bonds might be continually renewable
The bonds are a one-time issuance and not renewable. The funds
would be applied to this building project.
Funds could not be rolled over at a later date for possible use
for purchasing equipment or anything else.
Equipment is purchased as funds become available and as needed.
The funds are from fund savings set aside each year from the annual
budget and from grants. Or, as seen recently, a truck was bought
with funds left from a memorial intended for that use.
Some people thought the rural department could be merged with the
city department and save money
The departments are from two separate governmental taxing bodies,
with different unions and different salary structures. The
combination was tried some years ago and failed.
There is not a savings on equipment, as they use different
equipment. In rural areas there usually aren't hydrants to tap into.
The rural department has trucks that "pump on the run," such as is
often needed for grass and field fires.
The diversity of skills and equipment offered by maintaining
separate departments feature is beneficial in both cost and public
safety.
Some people were not aware of who pays for rural fire protection
services
The rural department services all the surrounding townships
outside of Lincoln city limits. City property owners do not pay
taxes that go to the rural department. The county collects yearly
property taxes for the rural department through a levy.
A house with a market value of $100,000 will see an increase in
property taxes of $54.66 per year. Other examples are a $22.51
increase at $50,000 market value, $86.81 for $150,000 and $118.96 at
$200,000. Farm acreage taxes will increase
45 cents to 62 cents per acre per year, depending on the township.
The weather on the day of the primary election last March was
near-blizzard conditions.
Kukuck said that anyone needing a ride to the polls should call
the firehouse, in advance if possible, and transportation would be
arranged.
[Jan
Youngquist]
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