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U. City voters should reject Prop P for now
To the editor:
University City voters should carefully consider Proposition P, the bond issue on the April 6 ballot that’s for two fire department pumpers, for furnishing the new fire station and renovating the fire station next to City Hall when it is vacated. A property tax increase comes with the proposal, though the increase won’t be shown on the ballot.
Many questions have been raised as to whether the fire pumpers, both of which have less than 55,000 miles on them, really need to be replaced. Yet these questions have not been answered adequately by city officials.
Also, it is hard to understand why a bond issue is required if the pumpers are to be replaced. The city already has $350,000 set aside for a new pumper and there is a quarter-cent sales tax dedicated to the fire department. It yields $500,000 per year. In addition, property taxes also fund the department.
After the April 6 election, University City will have a new mayor and new council members. A state audit of the city will soon be conducted. The smart choice for University City voters is to reject the bond issue until the state audit is complete and we have a clear idea of city finances.
Elsie Beck Glickert,
University City
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