Fire Station Open House Celebration

Name: Fire Station Open House Celebration
Start: 2024-11-23T11:00:00-06:00
End: 2024-11-23T13:00:00-06:00
Location: 3927 121st St, Urbandale, IA 50323-2300, United States

Schedule

Sat Nov 23 2024 at 11:00 am to 01:00 pm

UTC-06:00

Location

3927 121st St, Urbandale, IA 50323-2300, United States | Urbandale, IA

Join us on November 23 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Fire Station 42 for a community celebration you won't want to miss!
We're excited to celebrate a significant financial achievement for Urbandale—the early payoff of the bond used to fund the construction of our newest Fire Station, saving thousands of dollars in interest costs! (Please note, we're hosting the festivities at Fire Station 42 to accommodate parking needs - we're expecting a large turnout at this event.)
What to Expect at the Celebration:
• "Bond-cutting" ceremony: Celebrate our early payoff with a special ceremony.
• Fire Truck Push-In: Help us welcome our brand-new ladder truck.
• 50-Year Time Capsule: Residents are invited to contribute a drawing, photo, or letter to include in a time capsule for the City, capturing this achievement for future generations. The time capsule will be buried at the new station at a future date.
• Fire Station Tour: Explore Fire Station 42 and learn more about our fire services and their commitment to safety.
• Fun Activities: Enjoy firehouse chili from your Urbandale professional fire fighters with donations to benefit Children's Cancer Connections and refreshments for everyone!
This is a unique opportunity to celebrate Urbandale’s financial accomplishments as a community and see firsthand the resources our city invests in for your safety and well-being. We look forward to seeing you there!

Why Do Cities Use Bonds?
Cities use bonds to finance essential infrastructure projects, such as building fire stations, roads, and other public facilities. Issuing bonds allows cities to fund these large projects upfront and then pay off the cost over time, similar to a homeowner’s mortgage. This approach lets cities meet immediate needs without large one-time tax increases allowing us to continue providing uninterrupted services and support for residents.
Why is Early Debt Repayment a Smart Move?
Paying off this debt ahead of schedule is not only financially sound but brings direct benefits to our community. By retiring debt early, we reduce long-term interest payments, saving taxpayer dollars that would otherwise go to servicing debt. Early payoff highlights our dedication to responsible money management. With fewer financial obligations, Urbandale gains more flexibility to allocate funds toward future projects and community improvements, such as parks, roads, and emergency services.
What is cent-sational about Fire Station 43 (our newest Fire Station)?
Urbandale has three fire stations: Station 41, Station 42, and our newest, Station 43. Urbandale's 1% Local Option Sales and Services Tax (LOSST) plays a key role in supporting infrastructure projects and community initiatives. LOSST is a sales tax approved by voters, adding a small percentage to sales in the community, which is then allocated to specific city needs (like funding the construction of Fire Station 43). This funding source is often used for projects that may otherwise require long-term debt or higher property taxes. For Urbandale, LOSST revenue has supported critical improvements and has been instrumental in paying down debt on major projects like Fire Station 43.