CLEAR LAKE, IA---A North Iowa fire department is taking a big step forward as it tries to deal with its growth and an aging facility.
Clear Lake City leaders are giving the go-ahead to a special vote on bond money to build a new fire station.
Right now, the department's equipment is split between several downtown locations including City Hall.
They want to raise no more than $2.3 million to construct a masonry, brick building near the Fire Museum on North 6th Street.
"Its a huge step you know for members of a volunteer fire department, we build a new fire station about once every 50 to a 100 years and in a small town where there's only one fire station in your community it's an incredibly big step forward," said Clear Lake Fire Chief Doug Meyers on Monday night.
Chief Meyers knows he has a lot of convincing to do with the current state of economy.
Clear Lake City Councilman Tony Nelson said the 10 year bond issue would mean an annual increase in taxes of around $66.70 for person owning a home valued at $200,000.
The measure will need a 60% approval in order to pass.
Chief Meyers is already planning open houses and other ways to educate people about his department's needs before voters go to the polls to cast a ballot on the funding on August 3rd.
