Canyon voters to decide on $14 million public safety bond in May election

The Canyon City Commission has approved a $14 million bond election set for May 3, giving voters the chance to decide on significant upgrades to the city's public safety facilities. If passed, the bond will fund improvements to the Canyon Fire Department and Police Department, including a new training facility and renovations to existing buildings.

Why the Bond is Needed

With Canyon's population doubling over the past 50 years to 16,000 residents, public safety calls have increased, stretching the resources of both the fire and police departments. To meet growing demand, the city has proposed several key projects, including:

Renovating the former Gold Star building for the new police headquarters

Upgrading Fire Station #1 with interior and exterior improvements

Constructing a new fire department training facility, including a classroom, barn, and burn house

Expanding parking and fitness space for firefighters

Redeveloping space for the Planning and Development and Public Works departments

City Manager Joe Price emphasized that these upgrades have been a long time coming. "We've been looking at these issues for a decade," Price said. "Our fire department doesn’t have proper sleeping quarters for 24/7 staffing, and our police department is operating out of a building never meant for law enforcement use. This bond would allow us to modernize and grow with the city.”

The Cost to Taxpayers

If approved, the bond will require an annual debt service payment of just over $1 million at an estimated interest rate of 4.5% over 20 years. For the average Canyon homeowner, this would mean an annual property tax increase of about $242.

To help residents calculate their individual tax impact, the city has launched a tax rate calculator on its website. The city is also providing information through mailers, community presentations, and a billboard on I-27.

Public Input and Community Engagement

Canyon officials are seeking community feedback through surveys and meetings. A Flash Vote survey, already signed up for by 455 residents, asks for public opinions on the fire and police departments and ranks the importance of the proposed projects. Additionally, city leaders have begun speaking at community events, including a recent presentation to the Canyon Rotary Club.

Mayor Gary Hinders acknowledged that requesting a tax increase is never easy but argued that the improvements are necessary. "We have 50-year-old facilities that no longer meet our needs," Hinders said. "Investing in public safety could also reduce homeowners’ insurance costs, potentially offsetting some of the tax impact.”

A Rare Bond Election

This is only the second bond election in Canyon’s history. The first, approved in 2016, funded the construction of Canyon Aqua Park, which has since become a popular community attraction.

City officials encourage residents to review the bond details, ask questions, and participate in the decision-making process. “We want our citizens to be fully informed,” said Communications Director Megan Nelson. “This is an investment in the safety and future of our community.”

Canyon voters will have the final say on May 3.