FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why a New Firehouse is Needed

Q: Why is a new firehouse being proposed?

A: The outdated and overcrowded conditions at the current fire stations pose significant challenges to the safety and operational capability and capacity of our fire department. Designed for a past era without full-time staffing, these stations now operate inefficiently, impacting response times and overall effectiveness. Inadequate facilities, such as cramped apparatus bays and a lack of proper showers and office space, negatively affect firefighter readiness, safety, and morale, ultimately compromising the ability to effectively serve the community.

The demands on the fire department have risen over the years, further straining the capacity of the current facilities. In 2024 the station responded to 1,948 calls up over 100 calls from 2023. The department is on pace to respond to over 2,000 calls in 2025.

Q: What is the number of full-time and volunteer staff?

A: The Le Mars Fire and ambulance currently has 12 full-time and 25 volunteer/on-call. 

Q: What specific problems exist in the current stations?

A: - Only one shower stall is available for all personnel after calls, impacting hygiene and potentially 

delaying response readiness.

Q: Can’t the City just renovate or expand the existing stations? 

A: Expanding existing stations is not feasible due to current lot size restrictions, and renovations would not resolve the critical issues related to inadequate space, limited access, or modern safety requirements. Fire vehicles/apparatus are taller and larger now than when the current facilities were constructed. A purpose-built facility will enable us to overcome these limitations and provide the best possible service to our community.

Q: What organization sets the standards for fire departments?   

A: The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) is the leading global organization that establishes safety standards and guidelines for fire departments. The NFPA provides expertise to help departments navigate new legislation, evolving technologies, and best practices in fire and life safety.

A new NFPA Research report details a number of deficiencies in the nation’s fire stations. This report found that “44 percent of fire stations in the U.S. are over 40 years old. Additionally, 56 percent of U.S. fire stations operate without exhaust emission control systems, 52 percent do not have private or separate facilities for men and women, and 31 percent operate without backup power.” These represent the minimum standards recommended by the NFPA, and two of these deficiencies are challenges currently faced by the Le Mars Fire Department.

To learn more about this survey, its results, and recommendations, please visit this link: NFPA - "Old, Inadequate, Unsafe" Report

About the Proposed Firehouse Project

Q: When did the firehouse planning process start?

A:  

Q: What construction will the bond fund? 

A: This bond proposal will enable the construction of a modern firehouse, replacing Station 2 and providing crucial upgrades to better serve the community. The new facility will feature eight expanded bays for modern fire trucks and equipment, providing the space needed to store all necessary resources safely and securely with easy access. Firefighters’ well-being will be prioritized with proper bedrooms, bathrooms, and crucial decontamination areas. The modern firehouse will also feature dedicated offices, training space, a meeting room, a kitchen, and laundry facilities to support efficient operations and a positive work environment.

The design of the new firehouse accommodates future staff growth and future equipment needs of the Le Mars community. As the department expands its full-time staff, considerations for adequate space include a sufficient number of bays, bedrooms, and operational areas.

Q: How will this improve fire service in Le Mars? 

A: A new, modern firehouse will boost response times, safeguard firefighter health and safety, and enable us to effectively serve our growing community while maintaining our Class 2 ISO insurance rating. Providing adequate and efficient facilities will help with the attraction and retention of qualified department staff. 

Q: Why can't we just build a pole building or a metal building? Wouldn't this be more affordable?

A: Using a wood pole or a metal building for a fire station might seem like a good idea at first because it costs less and can be built faster. But these types of buildings come with some significant long-term concerns. They tend to deteriorate faster, offer less strength during severe weather, and provide limited fire resistance. In addition, they typically have lower insulation values, leading to higher utility costs and less comfortable interior conditions. Over time, their materials often require more frequent maintenance and repair due to reduced durability.

These concerns are especially important because the new facility will serve more than one purpose—it will function not only as a firehouse but also as the City’s Emergency Operations Center and as a backup City Hall in the event the main building is unavailable. For these reasons, it must remain fully operational during storms, disasters, and other emergencies.

Durable, traditional construction - such as concrete or masonry - offers far greater resilience in these conditions. These structures provide long-term strength and safety, protecting occupants and allowing first responders and city leaders to continue serving the community when it matters most. In addition, their superior insulation and efficient heating and cooling systems reduce energy use and operational costs over time.

When a building is this important, it’s vital to invest a little more in the beginning to make sure it’s strong, safe, and reliable for decades to come. Saving money up front is never worth the risk if the facility cannot perform when the community needs it most.

Q: How many people does the Le Mars fire department serve? 

A: Le Mars’ workday population includes its residential population plus approximately 4,200 daily commuters from surrounding areas, bringing the total to around 14,800 people each day. This large inflow of workers highlights Le Mars’s role as an economic hub for the region, while also increasing the demands placed on the fire department’s resources and response capacity.

In addition to serving the City of Le Mars, the department also provides protection and emergency services to the communities of Merrill, Oyens, Struble, Seney, and Brunsville, as well as approximately 200 square miles of the surrounding rural area.

Funding and Taxes

Q: How much is the bond referendum?

A: The bond referendum cap has been set for $16,000,000. 

Q: Has any funding already been secured? 

A: The city has purchased land in 2023 using $200,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and $150,000 in private donations. 

Q: Is the Department working on accepting donations or pursuing grants, or considering selling the current station to bring costs down?

A: Thanks to the incredible support of our community, previous facility upgrades were made possible through generous donations and volunteer efforts. We hope to achieve similar cost savings during the construction of the new facility to help manage expenses. The Department is actively pursuing donations, grants, and other potential options for the current station - all in parallel with the bond process - to help lower overall costs and keep the project on schedule. Several local industries have already expressed their willingness to contribute if the bond passes. This support is especially important as construction costs will continue to rise the longer the project is delayed. 

Q: If the referendum passes, how much will property taxes increase?

A: Please see the Tax Impact Summary worksheet on the website, as this breaks down the cost based on the category of property. On this worksheet, please find the category of property, such as residential, commercial, or ag land, and then the approximate assessed value to determine an estimated rate change per year.

Q: Can bond money be used to pay firefighter salaries or benefits? 

A: By law, bond funds can only be used for capital construction and cannot be used for salaries or operational expenses. 

Voting Information

Q: Who can vote on the firehouse bond? 

A: To vote, you must be a registered voter, at least 18 years old, and a resident of the city. You can register to vote by the 15-day pre-election deadline, or on Election Day at the polls by providing proof of age and residency. 

Q: Voting by mail?

A: If you are unable to vote on November 4, you can vote early by using an absentee ballot. You can request a ballot via mail by completing an absentee ballot request form available at the auditor’s office. The last day to request a ballot by mail is Monday, October 20, 2025. 

Q: What percentage of votes are required for the referendum to pass? 

A: A 60% vote of support is required for the bond to pass. 

Long-Term Impact

Q: Will this project help with long-term costs? 

A: The new station will reduce costly maintenance, eliminate the need for off-site storage, and improve energy efficiency, saving the city money over time. 

Q: How does this benefit residents without direct use of fire services? 

A: Fire protection benefits everyone through lower insurance premiums, faster emergency response, and a safer, more resilient community. Strong public safety infrastructure also protects property values and supports local development. 

Q: What happens if construction bids come in over budget? 

A: Should project bids exceed the allocated budget, the city will implement solutions such as evaluating cost-saving design modifications.