Mick Anna, Chairperson
Chances are if you’ve lived in SaddleBrooke for a few years or more, you have either witnessed or experienced directly, the fantastic service our local firefighters provide for our communities. In the upcoming Nov. 5 general election, we will have the opportunity to support our firefighters by voting “yes” on Fire Bond 477 and provide the Golder Ranch Fire District (GRFD) the necessary infrastructure, renovations, technology upgrades, training, and safety needed for the next 20-25 years. If approved by the voters, this bond will allow the GRFD to remodel stations bringing them up to National Fire Protection Association standards, build new training facilities and additional administrative office spaces, and restructure existing debts. Additionally, the bond will have $6 million set aside to build two new stations in our rapidly growing fire district.
At least 66% of firefighters will develop some sort of cancer in their lifetime due to job related exposures. Voting yes on 477 will help protect our firefighters by adding clean, well-ventilated spaces to store contaminated gear, reducing cancer causing carcinogens and extending the life of the gear itself.
Another major improvement included in the bond is the installation of new modern alerting systems. Currently, when you call 911, your call is answered in the order received. By converting from the district’s current analog system to a fully digital system, multiple 911 calls can be answered and dispatched automatically, helping firefighters get to you more quickly.
For a full list of bond projects, visit grfdaz.gov/bond-election-information and click on the Informational Flyer link.
So, what is this going to cost the taxpayer you may ask? According to the district’s bond committee, which was tasked with reviewing Golder Ranch’s proposed list of projects, the bond will cost the average homeowner in the Golder Ranch District only $2.39 a month. That’s less than the cost of a Venti cup of coffee at Starbucks!
Let’s make sure the GRFD has the necessary resources to keep up with our growing communities and continue to provide excellent service! Vote yes for Fire Bond 477 on Nov. 5. Your life may depend on it!
For more information, visit www.yesforgolder.com.