Onalaska residents argue amongst themselves during a meeting of the Lewis County Fire District 1 commission in January 2018.
Around 63 percent of voters in Fire District 1 cast a vote approving a bond issue that would finance a new fire station on Alexander Road in Onalaska as of Tuesday night.
A second count on Wednesday bumped the “yes” votes up to 64.29 percent. That number represented 963 votes in favor and 535 opposed to the proposition.
“It’s great. I’m gratified the public sees it like we do,” said Fire District 1 Commissioner Rich Bainbridge. “We do need a new fire hall, and it represents a lot of work by all of us.”
The issue was put on the ballot by a resolution passed by Fire District 1 commissioners which would issue no more than $1.7 million of general interest bonds to be paid back through excess property tax levies.
Assessments indicate Fire District 1 property owners would be on the hook for an estimated $0.61 per $1,000 of assessed value, said Bainbridge. Property assessed at $200,000 would tally $10.24 a month toward repaying the bond, set to mature in 20 years.
Bainbridge said the department currently owns the land that the new building would sit on. He indicated the current station — consisting of two standalone structures at 244 Carlisle Avenue — would likely require more to repair than they’re worth.
