In August of 2010, people of Ada voted in the one-cent sales tax extension, which was to be saved and used for city improvement. It was for a period of five years and is now being used for improvements on the Ada fire stations, police department, sport complexes, raw water line engineering study, downtown beautification, and city building renovation.

This year was the last year of the one-cent sales tax extension, or Penny for Our City fund, and these projects are underway. With money already going to the rebuilding of the police and fire stations, which was much needed because of how unsuitable the old buildings were becoming.

City of Ada Public Information Director, Lisa Bratcher, detailed the city’s plans. “The central fire station was built in 1909 as part of the original city hall. Minor renovations took place in the 1930s, but no major renovations have occurred since then. The new fire station will feature much-needed space for modern equipment, meeting rooms, living quarters and parking.”

According to Bratcher, the fire station is not the only planned public works renovation. “The current police station has been in use for more than 50 years. The police force has tripled in size since it was built. The new two-story police station will provide space for evidence storage, meeting rooms, a work area, interview rooms and privacy for visitors.”

On January 13th 2015, the fund was re-voted and renewed to further improve the city. With a 78% approval rating, the next penny fund will go to new swimming pools, a new senior center, improvements on the historic Irving Community Center, Wintersmith Park Amphitheater, establish a Workforce Housing Program, and further the improvements on Main Street and the Sports Complexes.

The Penny for Our City fund has been enacted for the city’s appearance. How will the City of Ada Change in these next five years? Will it be more economical, or not?