Excerpts from ChicagoTribune.com: If the upcoming referendum by the Fox River and Countryside Fire Protection District to raise property taxes by 95% is rejected, Fire Chief John Nixon warned that the district could collapse within two years. “It would be a slow and painful death,†Nixon said. “I wouldn’t give it more than two years.†If the district were to shut down, the State Fire Marshal would have to assign its coverage area to neighboring fire departments. This would lead to longer emergency response times—between 12 to 15 minutes more for residents in the former district, he added. “We’re not here to scare people or make threats,†Nixon emphasized. “We just want to present the facts so that people can make their own decisions.†The chief outlined the district’s financial situation and the details of the April 4 ballot referendum at a recent town hall meeting. The event was purely informational, and neither Nixon nor the board could take a formal stance on the proposal. The referendum asks whether the property tax levy should be increased from the lesser of 5% or the Consumer Price Index increase to 95% for the 2017 levy year. For a home valued at $300,000, this would mean an extra $300 per year in taxes. If approved, the measure would generate an additional $2.5 million annually. Nixon noted that compared to nearby fire districts, Fox River and Countryside still has the lowest tax rate. As a fire protection district, it relies solely on property taxes for revenue. Currently, the district lacks a reserve fund for capital equipment replacement and operates with outdated gear. For example, five life packs—each costing $40,000—are in need of replacement, but the district doesn’t have the funds to cover the $200,000 cost. The proposed tax increase would be used to build a capital asset replacement fund, hire more staff, and upgrade equipment. At present, the district only has two firefighters per engine, while safety standards recommend four. Similarly, there's only one paramedic and one EMT on each ambulance call, though the recommended number is two paramedics. The district covers a 38-square-mile area, and 27% of calls overlap, requiring mutual aid from other departments. “This is a responsible plan,†Nixon said. “It sets a model for long-term sustainability. Our goal is to ensure safe and reliable fire and ambulance services for years to come. Every dollar will be accountable to our taxpayers.†The fire district has been actively promoting the referendum through social media and a dedicated website. A second town hall meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 13, at 6:30 p.m. at the Campton Township Community Center, located at 5N082 Old LaFox Road. Thanks Dan & Scott Outdoor Christmas Decorations,Best Inflatable Outdoor Christmas Decorations,Inflatable Seasonal,Seasonal Yard Decorations Zhoushan Fule Christmas Decorations Co., Ltd. , https://www.fuleinflatable.com
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