Voters strongly supported Drexel Heights Fire District's request to sell $8 million in bonds for construction and improvements by 68 percent in favor, compared to 32 percent against in early returns.
Picture Rocks Fire & Medical District's request for a temporary budget override was apparently turned down with 58 percent of voters saying no, and 42 percent in favor of the override.
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Avra Valley Fire District was narrowly ahead with 51 percent in favor and 49 percent against a temporary levy override.
Drexel Heights Fire District
The Drexel Heights governing board requested to sell $8 million in general obligation bonds for projects including the construction of an administration and training facility, a new fire station, and the remodeling of a second station. It also is seeking to replace two pumper trucks.
In an earlier interview, Fire Chief Douglas Chappell said the two stations slated for replacement or renovations are "in need of safety-related enhancements to protect the firefighters who live in the stations 24 hours a day."
The district also needs adequate training facilities for firefighters to continue to refine their knowledge and skills, said Chappell. The aging fleet also needs to be replaced.
Drexel Heights' annual operating budget is about $10 million and it employs 81 firefighters and five civilian workers.
The district covers 60 square miles and has about 50,000 residents. The boundaries roughly are the Tucson Mountains on the north and the Tohono O'odham Nation on the south, and South Mission Road on the east to West Valencia Road where it dead ends at Ajo Highway on the west.
Picture Rocks Fire & Medical District
The Picture Rocks board of directors asked for a temporary budget override for five years that would bring in about $80,000 annually to maintain services and fire trucks.
Picture Rocks' annual operating budget is $1.8 million and the district employs 22 firefighters and two civilian workers.
Avra Valley Fire District
The Avra Valley governing board requested to adopt a temporary levy override for five years to generate about $120,000 annually for the district to maintain firefighter jobs, its vehicles and to purchase medical equipment and safety gear.
Avra Valley's annual operating budget is $3.9 million and it employs 42 firefighters and two civilian workers.
