Bixby Voters To Decide On Bond For New Fire Station, Ambulance Service

Voters in Bixby will decide on four propositions in Tuesday’s election and one could have a huge impact on the fire department.

One bond is for $8.5 million for a new fire station and ambulance service. 

"Currently we only have about 27 guys, we're looking to expand that by another 15," said Bixby Fire Chief Joey Wiedel. 

Wiedel said the bond proposition will help build a new fire department and add an ambulance service to Bixby, shortening response times.

He said in his 20 years with the department, he's seen the city grow each year and it's important to get ahead of the growth. 

"We should be able to keep up with the growth whereas right now we are kind of running behind with fire personnel vs. the growth of population," Wiedel said. 

The other propositions focus on roads, storm drainage systems and expanding the Bentley Park Sports Complex. Jennifer Rush with the City of Bixby said the propositions will fix the city's needs without raising taxes. 

"We've been able to retire previous bonds early and this gives us the bonding capacity to be able to issue these bonds without an increase to the milage rate," Rush said. 

Rush said around 1,500 people move to Bixby each year, and as they continue to see growth, they want to be prepared. 

"So, looking at that and focusing on, if it continues for the next five, ten years, what will the city need in order to provide the infrastructure for that population," Rush said. 

The polls will open Tuesday at 7 a.m. 

To learn more about each proposition, click here.