• Issue 14 would allocate $300 million for capital investments in safety infrastructure, services

Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther joined Columbus City Councilmember Emmanuel V. Remy and Public Safety Director Robert Clark to outline how the proposed $1.5 billion bond package on the ballot this fall would support neighborhood safety throughout Columbus.

Specifically, Issue 14 would allocate $300 million for planned capital investments in police and fire facility improvements, fire apparatus replacements (e.g., ladder trucks, medics, etc.), police substations and fire stations, and more.

“Community safety is our number one priority,” said Mayor Ginther.

“We’ve made meaningful progress in reducing violence and holding criminals accountable while expanding our comprehensive safety strategy to include new approaches to intervention and prevention. High-quality facilities and equipment are key to our continued success, and Issue 14 would provide access to the funding we need to make critical investments and further accelerate our momentum.”

If approved by Columbus voters, funding would be allocated as follows:

• $30 million: Police facility renovations
•  18 million: Fire apparatus replacements
• $33 million: Fire facility renovations
• $219 million: Franklin County Municipal Court building

Voted bonds allow the city to borrow money to pay for capital improvements at a lower interest rate, saving residents millions of dollars and allowing the city to invest more in neighborhoods.

Recent examples of projects paid for by bond funding include the forthcoming Real Time Crime Center in Linden; repairs to ladder trucks and medics; facility improvements such as the renovation of Fire Stations 3 (Greenlawn Ave.), 14 (Parsons Ave.) and 23 (E. Livingston Ave.); the design and construction of Fire Stations 16 (Weber Rd.) and 35 (Waggoner Rd.); the far north Police Substation on Sancus Boulevard; and the first-ever Public Safety Wellness Center for first responders.

“Columbus needs a Real Time Crime Center,” said Councilmember Remy.

“Our community has made it loud and clear that the addition of a Real Time Crime Center is Columbus’ next step in serving our residents quickly and responsively, and we need your help this November to make it a reality.”

“Bond funding has helped us deliver major improvements in our public safety infrastructure,” said Director Clark. “These are more than buildings and vehicles. They are investments in our safety and our city, and they allow our women and men to deliver the best possible service to you and your family, when you need it most.”

The bond package – Issues 14-18 – will be voted on by Columbus residents in the general election on November 8.

Early voting is currently underway at the Franklin County Board of Elections at 1700 Morse Road.

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