Council Advances Bond Issue for Police, Fire Stations
Alarmed that some Los Angeles police officers and firefighters are working in cramped and decrepit stations, the City Council voted tentatively Wednesday to place up to $750 million in bonds on the April 13 ballot for new public safety buildings.
The council also tentatively approved a separate, $35-million bond measure to build an Environmental Science Center in Exposition Park, but postponed action on a $200-million tax measure for sidewalk improvements.
Recognizing the difficulties of winning the required two-thirds majority from voters, council members said they will try to reduce the bond amount before a final council vote on Jan. 8.
In endorsing the police and fire bond measure, council members said public safety remains the top priority for Los Angeles residents.
“That safety is jeopardized . . . by the facilities in which our police officers and firefighters work every day,” said Councilman Mike Feuer. “Our police stations are bursting at the seams.”
Mayor Richard Riordan called for trimming the bonds closer to the $500-million level proposed by a blue ribbon panel of business leaders, said Deane Leavenworth, a spokesman for the mayor.
A $750-million bond measure would add about $30 annually to the property tax bill of a home valued at $160,000, officials said.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
