Excerpts from ChicagoTribune.com: If the upcoming referendum in the Fox River and Countryside Fire Protection District fails to increase the property tax levy by 95%, Fire Chief John Nixon warned that the district could collapse within two years. “It would be a slow and painful decline,†Nixon said. “I wouldn’t give it more than two years.†In the event of closure, the State Fire Marshal would take over and redistribute the area’s emergency coverage among neighboring fire districts. This would lead to longer response times—up to 12 to 15 minutes for residents currently served by the district, he added. “We’re not here to scare people or be dramatic,†Nixon explained. “We just want to present the facts so people can make informed decisions.†At a recent town hall meeting on Monday, Nixon presented the district’s financial situation and the details of the April 4 ballot question. The meeting was strictly informational, and neither Nixon nor the board could endorse the referendum. The referendum asks whether the property tax rate should be raised from its current level (either 5% or the CPI increase) to a flat 95% for the 2017 levy year. A homeowner with a $300,000 property would pay an extra $300 annually if the measure passes. The increase is expected to generate an additional $2.5 million for the district. Nixon emphasized that the district still has the lowest tax rate compared to surrounding areas. As a fire protection district, it relies solely on property taxes for funding. Currently, the district lacks a capital replacement fund and operates with outdated equipment. For example, five life packs—each costing $40,000—are in need of replacement, but there's no budget for this critical upgrade. The proposed funds from the referendum would go toward replacing aging equipment, improving staffing, and building a sustainable financial plan. Right now, the district has only two firefighters per engine, while safety standards recommend four. Ambulance calls are handled with one paramedic and one EMT, whereas the recommended ratio is two paramedics. The district covers a 38-square-mile area, with 27% of calls overlapping, requiring mutual aid from other departments. “This isn’t a desperate move—it’s a responsible plan to keep our services running for the long term,†Nixon said. “Every dollar we spend will be accountable to the taxpayers.†To raise awareness, the district has launched a social media campaign and maintains a dedicated website for the referendum. A second town hall meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 13, at the Campton Township Community Center, located at 5N082 Old LaFox Road. Thanks Dan & Scott Halloween Inflatable Decorations Halloween Inflatables,Halloween Yard Decorations,Outdoor Halloween Decorations,Outdoor Halloween Inflatables Decorations Zhoushan Fule Christmas Decorations Co., Ltd. , https://www.fuleinflatable.com
Fox River and Countryside Fire Rescue District news (more)