Thursday, March 13, 2008
Governor Culver Signs Bill To Make It Easier For Local Officials To Purchase Emergency Communication Equipment
DES MOINES – Today, Governor Chet Culver signed House File 2366, which allows municipalities to issue bonds to purchase communication equipment for Iowa’s peace officers and emergency management officials.
Governor Culver said, “This important piece of legislation makes it easier for Iowa cities and counties to pay for emergency communication equipment and systems through bonds. Keeping Iowans safe is always our number one priority.”
This bill amends the definitions of “essential county purpose” and “essential corporate purpose” to include peace officer communication equipment and other emergency services communication equipment and systems. A county board of supervisors may approve the issuance of general obligation bonds to carry out an essential county purpose without approval by voters at an election. A city council may approve the issuance of general obligation bonds to carry out an essential corporate purpose without approval by voters at an election.
The bill takes effect upon enactment.