Measure O will be used to provide locally controlled funding for identified facilities, vehicle, and equipment needs
The needs identified in a recent comprehensive capital needs assessment far exceed the current budget. To address these needs and meet the growing public safety demands of the communities we serve, the Board of Directors of the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District has placed a $415 million Fire & Emergency Response Bond Measure, Measure O, on the November 2024 ballot. Measure O would cost $19 per $100,000 of assessed value—not current market value—or about $78 per year for the typical property taxpayer, or about $6.50 per month. For seniors who have owned their homes for a long time, and have lower assessed values, the cost would be much lower. If approved, Measure O will be used to address identified needs, including:
Replacing outdated and deteriorating lifesaving equipment
Improving aging fire stations to meet current work safety conditions
Ensuring a continuous decrease in cancer exposure for our firefighters
Equipping stations to more rapidly respond to medical and fire emergencies simultaneously to keep up with growing call volume
Providing additional emergency response equipment, fire engines, ambulances, and other vehicles so first responders can arrive on the scene quickly
Constructing new stations in high-population areas to reduce response times
Addressing identified facilities, vehicle, and equipment needs could maintain response times, fire protection, and lifesaving services.
By addressing identified facilities, vehicle, and equipment needs, Metro Fire would be able to continue providing fire protection and lifesaving services to the community, including:
Maintaining 911 fire response and emergency medical response times
Sustaining local fire protection
Protecting natural disaster response and wildfire prevention
Supporting rural fire protection and emergency medical response services
Attracting and retaining qualified professional firefighters and paramedics
Invest in Measure O; Invest in Your Family’s Safety!
Your Sacramento Metro firefighters have one priority: protecting the families and businesses in our wonderful and growing community. As Sacramento grows, so does the need to strengthen public safety and ensure a swift emergency response in every neighborhood.
To keep you and your loved ones safe for years to come, we’ve developed a comprehensive capital improvement plan. This plan is a result of close collaboration between Sacramento Area Fire Fighters Local 522, the Board of Directors of the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, and the Fire Chief’s office.
We’re asking for your support on the November 2024 ballot by voting “Yes” on Measure O, a $415 million Fire & Emergency Response Bond Measure. This investment will guarantee:
Efficient Infrastructure
Reliable Emergency Response
Safer Communities
What Does Measure O Mean for You?
Affordable Investment:
Just $19 per $100,000 of your home’s assessed value—not the current market value.
Lower Costs for Seniors:
If you’ve been in your home for years, your assessed value is likely lower, which means your contribution will be even more affordable.
Measure O requires mandatory fiscal accountability provisions and local control
Measure O would include strict fiscal accountability requirements, including:
A detailed project list outlining the exact use of funds
Public disclosure of all spending
Independent annual financial and performance audits
An independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee to review the use of funds
By law, all funds would stay local to Metro Fire’s community and could not be taken away by the State.
“How would Measure O impact my neighborhood?”
About a General Obligation Bond
General obligation bonds (GO bonds) are a type of municipal bond that local, state, or federal governments issue to raise funds for public projects, such as infrastructure improvements, schools, roads, and other public facilities. These bonds are backed by the full faith and credit of the issuing government entity, meaning that the government pledges to use its taxing power to repay bondholders.
Here are some key features of general obligation bonds:
Taxing Power: The primary source of repayment for GO bonds is the issuing government's ability to levy taxes. This could include property taxes, income taxes, or sales taxes. Because these bonds are backed by the taxing power of the issuer, they are considered lower-risk investments.
Voter Approval: Issuing GO bonds requires approval by voters, as these bonds often result in increased taxes or reallocation of existing tax revenue.
Purpose: GO bonds are used to fund public projects that do not generate direct revenue, such as schools, parks, or public safety facilities. This differentiates them from revenue bonds, which are repaid from the income generated by the specific projects they fund.
Interest Rates: Because they are considered relatively safe investments, GO bonds offer lower interest rates compared to more risky bonds.
Credit Ratings: The creditworthiness of the issuing government affects the interest rate of the GO bonds. Governments with higher credit ratings can issue GO bonds at lower interest rates, which reduces the overall cost of borrowing.
Overall, general obligation bonds are a common way for governments to fund essential public projects, relying on their taxing power to ensure repayment.
