The Leyden Fire Protection District has a referendum question on the March 20 primary ballot.
The district is seeking support on a $1.5 million bond issue, which would be used to purchase a new ladder fire truck and ambulance, said Fire Chief Kory Ryan and board President Randy Olinski.
Ryan said the district is looking to replace a 1996 fire truck and 2013 ambulance, both of which have outlived their life expectancy, and repair and maintenance costs are more expensive. At this rate, he said, selling those vehicles has been hard because "in order to sell equipment that's worth something, they still need an update."
Officials said the bond, which would take effect in 2019 and stretch over the next 10 years, is enough to cover the expenses of the two vehicles. The estimated cost for a ladder fire truck is $1 million, and an ambulance could range between $200,000 to $300,000, Ryan said.