Voters in eastern Warren County, including the Wright City and Innsbrook areas, will be asked April 3 to vote on Proposition C, a $7 million bond issue for Wright City Fire Protection District.Below are common questions and answers related to Prop C. Information was collected from Wright City Fire Protection District.This is not to be confused with Proposition S, a proposed property tax increase for Wright City Fire Protection District that will also be on the April ballot. Another story in this issue of The Record addresses questions related to Prop S.What exactly is the proposal?Wright City Fire Protection District would like to issue $7 million in general obligation bonds, which essentially are a form of loan. The bonds are supported by the fire district’s tax base, and would be repaid over a 20-year period.Voter authorization of the bond issue also authorizes the fire district to raise property taxes to pay off the bonds.The money from the bond issue would be used to build a new fire station, replace several vehicles, and replace outdated equipment.Does Prop C include a tax?Not directly, but approving Prop C would authorize a tax increase separate from, and in addition to, any current or future property tax.The tax levy would be based on how much is needed to pay off the bonds each year. Current estimates for the property tax are 20 to 25 cents per $100 assessed valuation. This would be in addition to the tax increase proposed by Prop S.Who would Prop C affect?Wright City Fire Protection District serves eastern Warren County and part of southern Lincoln County, as well as running mutual aid calls in other area fire districts. The fire district serves more than 10,000 area residents.WCFPD is a separate entity from surrounding fire districts, including those in Warrenton and Marthasville. All the fire agencies are also separate from Warren County Ambulance District and Marthasville Community Ambulance District. None of these other agencies are directly impacted by the proposed bond issue.What will the bond revenue be used for?The fire district would use the funds to build a new primary fire station. The district’s current House One was built prior to the 1970s. The building was remodeled and expanded in 2011 to address several major issues.However, the staff of firefighters is larger now, and more needs to be done to protect the crews from cancer-causing fumes that stick to their clothes and equipment at a fire, Chief Ron MacKnight said.“We have taken as many steps as we can to decrease our risk, but we are faced with challenges we cannot possibly solve in a 50-year-old structure,” MacKnight said.Bond revenue also would be used to replace several aging firefighting vehicles: a pumper, a tanker and a brush unit. Fire engines can cost $750,000 to $850,000, MacKnight said.The radio equipment used by the fire district has become outdated and the breathing air tanks used by firefighters are almost out of date. Both equipment needs would also be met by the bond issue.How would Prop C affect my tax bill?Because the tax rate to pay off the bonds isn’t set in stone, an exact prediction is difficult. The owner of a $150,000 home could estimate about $71 in additional tax payment.How many yes votes are needed to pass Prop C?Of the voters who come out to the polls this April, 57 percent must vote yes on the bond issue for it to be approved.What facilities does the district operate?Wright City Fire Protection district has four fire stations, two of which don’t have assigned personnel. Most of the staff is stationed at House One in Wright City, with three or four firefighters per shift. A captain and lieutenant are assigned to House Three on Highway J in Lincoln County.Where can I get more information?The fire district is considering hosting an open house event, but a date has yet to be determined.Wright City Fire Protection District logo