Johnson County Council voted to approve Resolution 2025‑03 on Nov. 10, authorizing the Bartersville Fire Protection District to issue general obligation bonds of up to $6,600,000 in one or more series with terms up to 20 years.

Gary Smith of Reed Financial Group, advising the district, explained the district plans to sequence issuances over two years — a small 2025 issuance to fund air packs with a two‑year amortization and a larger issuance in 2026 for apparatus (roughly $4.9 million). "We're being very mindful of the tax rates... issuing the bonds this year is to keep the tax rates neutral with 2025 going into 2026," Smith said.

Council members asked whether forthcoming state changes (SB 1) could affect tax rates or county liability; Smith said the levy would be specific to the fire protection district and contingent on certified net assessed values. The council approved the resolution by voice vote.

The resolution also authorizes the district to adopt additional appropriations for the proceeds of the bonds as needed.