Independence voters face $14.5 million bond for new fire station

Independence, Iowa—The Independence Fire Department is urging voters to approve a $14.5 million bond measure in the Nov. 5 general election that would fund construction of a new fire station to replace the aging downtown facility. The proposal, released Tuesday, says the current 1960s-era station lacks space for modern apparatus and does not meet accessibility standards. Fire Chief Blake Hayward said the new station would accommodate larger trucks, improve response times, and include upgraded training facilities. The city estimates repayment over 20 years through property taxes. Opponents argue the cost is steep for the roughly 9,000-resident community. The bond will appear on the ballot alongside other local measures.