The Marthasville Volunteer Fire Department (MVFD) will host a series of meetings to discuss the bond issue the district has on the April 2 ballot.Proposition F, a 28-cent tax levy increase, is intended to fund construction of a new Fire Station 1 in Marthasville and upgrading aging fire rescue equipment.The first town hall meeting is Saturday, Feb. 16, at Station 1 in Marthasville. Visitors will be able to ask questions and tour the station.Additional town hall meetings on the subject will be held Thursday, March 7, at 6:30 p.m. at Station 1 in Marthasville; Thursday, March 14, at 6:30 p.m. at Station 2 in Treloar; Thursday, March 21, at 6:30 p.m. at Station 3 in Dutzow; and Saturday, March 30, at 11 a.m. at Station 1.The proposed 28-cent tax levy increase will yield $1,750,000 in revenue over a 10-year period, according to the fire district. At a 4 percent interest rate, the annual debt service for the bonds will be $215,759. The fire district currently receives $303,000 with its current levy of $0.3965 to fund fire protection in the Marthasville Fire District.Revenue from the bond issue could only be used for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, renovating, improving, maintaining and equipping fire stations and related facilities and acquiring new and replacement firefighting equipment and vehicles to carry out the objectives and purposes of the district.The Marthasville Volunteer Fire Department and the fire district board will remain a 100 percent volunteer department, officials have said.Refreshments will be provided by MFVD firefighters. In addition to local MVFD personnel, members of Citizens for a Fire Safe Community will be in attendance.

Marthasville Volunteer Fire Department will host a series of public meetings to discuss a proposed bond issue. Pictured here, firefighters train during an event hosted by the Marthasville Volunteer Fire Department Saturday, March 24, at St. Ignatius Church in Marthasville. 

Record Photo/Cindy Gladden