November 2025 Election: Bond Information
Proposition 1 Overview
$18.5 million general obligation bond measure
Estimated cost: $0.27 per $1,000 of assessed value
Example: $267 per year ($22 per month) for a $1 million home
Note: The rate may change based on prevailing interest rates, when the bonds are issued, and assessed property values.
What would the funds be used for?
If Proposition 1 passes, the funds will be used to make needed and deferred capital investments in equipment and facilities. Many Orcas Island Fire & Rescue apparatus are at the end of their useful lives, and certain facilities need repair or improvement.
The bonds would fund:
Refurbishing and purchasing fire engines, tenders, brush trucks and ambulances
Rehabilitating and improving roofs, cranes/lifts, utilities, restrooms and other fire station facilities
Other qualifying capital improvements to support firefighting capacity, prevention, protection and emergency medical services, including wildfire defense
The funds from Proposition 1 can only be used for equipment repair and replacement needs and facility repairs. The funds cannot be used to fund operational expenses for the department.
Bond Funding Breakdown
Apparatus Replacement and Refurbishment … $15,800,000
Replace 5 Fire Engines: $8,200,000
Refurbish 3 Fire Engines: $2,560,000
Replace 2 Ambulances: $750,000
Water Tenders (buy 1, fix 2): $2,400,000
Replace 4 Paramedic and Incident Command Vehicles: $850,000
Replace 1 Wildland Fire Truck: $250,000
Replace 1 Rescue Truck: $340,000
Replace 1 Utility Truck: $125,000
Administrative Cost: $325,000
Facility Repairs and Upgrades … $2,7000,000
Station 21 (Main Station): Roof repairs, concrete replacement, HVAC system, dormitory restroom renovation, flooring and paint, crane/lift certification, LED lighting, generator replacement, and kitchen updates
Station 22: Metal roof installation and structure repair, wood rot repair, bathroom rehabilitation, exterior paint, and overhead door replacement
Station 23: Roof system repairs, electrical panel replacement, interior rehabilitation, exterior building repairs, heating controls upgrade, and fire door replacement
Station 24: Exterior paint, water heater replacement, concrete and landscape repairs, and security cameras
Station 25: Water catchment system upgrades and landscape cleanup
Station 26: Landslide repair, exterior door renovation, bathroom facelift, LED lighting, heater replacement, and interior rehabilitation
Station 27: Bathroom rehabilitation and interior refresh
All Stations: Access control system (door locks) throughout all facilities
Total: $18,500,000
Estimated Annual Property Tax Impact
$500,000 home: $135 annually ($11.25 monthly)
$750,000 home: $202.50 annually ($16.88 monthly)
$1,000,000 home: $270 annually ($22.50 monthly)
$1,250,000 home: $337.50 annually ($28.13 monthly)
How general obligation bonds work
General obligation bonds spread costs over several years and can be issued as needed rather than all at once. Bond funds are legally restricted to designated capital projects. The bonds would be repaid through annual property tax levies over the 20-year term.
The proposition would authorize up to $18,500,000 of general obligation bonds in one or more issuances to be repaid over 20 years and the levy of annual property taxes to repay the bonds.
Background information
The district's apparatus and facilities committees evaluated equipment and facility conditions to identify capital needs. This evaluation informed the decision to pursue bond financing for these capital projects.
Fire protection districts in Washington State have various funding options available, including levies and bonds. The Board of Fire Commissioners selected the bond approach for these capital projects after reviewing the available financing methods.
Questions?
For questions about the bond measure, contact the Board of Fire Commissioners at bofc@orcasfire.org
We're happy to discuss fire department funding with our community. Contact pio@orcasfire.org or 360-376-2331 to schedule an educational session.