The City Council in mid-June discussed the option of issuing $70 million in general obligation bonds to finance construction for both projects without raising the current tax rate. The council will need to approve adding the measure to the November ballot by mid-August.
Residents will not see a tax rate increase associated with the additional debt given the current tax rate of 34.8 cents per $100 valuation, said John McGrane, the city's director of administrative services.
City leaders say the estimated $40 million public safety building will provide more room and more efficient technology for the fire administration, police department and municipal court. The estimated $30 million expansion and renovation of the existing CAC would include additional amenities, such as an aquatics center and an area for senior citizens that would replace the existing Senior Center.