Informational Press Release

The Kearney Fire and Rescue Protection District needs to build, equip, and staff a second station on the west side of I-35 and replace some equipment at the existing station. That is why the District will have two issues on the August 6, 2024 ballot.

“The second station’s location is intended to keep up with the growth and demands to provide emergency medical and fire response on the west side of I-35 where much of the recent growth has occurred in our 82 square mile district,” according to Chief Kevin Pratt. “This will also allow us to replace and upgrade several older vehicles at the main station. All designed to continue to provide our community with the service and emergency response they expect and deserve.”

The new station would house an ambulance, a new pumper, and a brush truck with three shifts of five personnel. The station will be located south of 92 Highway in the area of Plattsburg Road.

The District would also immediately replace a 2001 pumper at the main station and over the next four years add a third ambulance and replace the 105-foot aerial ladder fire truck.

There are two elements to the funding for this project. A no tax rate increase bond issue will provide the funds to construct a new station, purchase new fire and rescue apparatus for the new station and replace and upgrade several older vehicles at the existing station. There would be no increase in the property tax rate for the bond issue. The debt service rate will remain at the current rate of 13.55 cents. ($0.1355)

The second element is a ½ cent sales tax to provide for operating expenses including the new station personnel, personal protective equipment, and utilities. The sales tax is to diversify the funding sources for the district and reduce the need for future property tax increases.

The Board of Directors has said that both ballot issues must pass before they will proceed with the project.

The District, which includes the City of Kearney, stretches from the Liberty city limits and 69

Highway on the south to north of Arley and along 176″ Street. On the east, it covers RA Highway and just outside the Excelsior Springs and Mosby city limits. On the west, it covers parts of Stark Road, Frances Road, and C Highway.