Excerpts from freepressnewspapers.com: A large crowd gathered inside the gymnasium at the school in Custer Park on Monday, July 17, as nearly 200 residents from Braidwood and Custer Township came together with fire district officials to discuss a potential agreement that would transfer fire protection responsibilities in Custer to Braidwood. During the meeting, a medical emergency occurred in the parking lot, prompting a quick response from local EMTs and paramedics. Despite their efforts, the situation still required Braidwood Fire Protection District (BFPD) to provide transport, highlighting the current challenges facing the Custer Fire Protection District (CFPD). The CFPD and BFPD are currently negotiating an intergovernmental agreement (IGA), which is still in draft form. If approved, the agreement would transfer all of CFPD’s tax revenue directly to Braidwood, while CFPD would sell off any assets that Braidwood doesn’t want, using the proceeds for the transition. The three-hour meeting featured strong opinions from both supporters and opponents of the IGA. Residents and officials shared their perspectives, with some expressing concern over losing control of local services and others believing the move could bring much-needed stability and resources. Trustee Bob Hussey highlighted the CFPD’s achievements since its reopening in 2019, including upgrades to equipment, maintenance projects, and the acquisition of new apparatus. He emphasized the department’s commitment to providing essential services despite financial constraints. Many residents are frustrated by the proposed developments—such as a solar farm and water district—that are expected to generate additional tax revenue for Custer. While some believe these funds should stay within the district, others argue that current resources are insufficient to maintain staffing, ambulance operations, and low taxes. CFPD President Ron Pruss stressed that without a fully operational ambulance, the district cannot function independently. Currently, Custer relies on a non-transport license, meaning it can only provide care until another district’s ambulance arrives. The existing ambulance, partially funded by donations, is still awaiting state approval for transport, with a decision expected by August 5. Due to strict taxing limits, CFPD cannot raise enough revenue to hire more staff. Even increasing taxes may not guarantee sufficient coverage. Meanwhile, BFPD has offered to integrate Custer’s employees, though non-firefighter EMTs would need to obtain firefighter certifications. Some residents expressed frustration over the 2018 tax hike that helped reopen the department, only for it to eventually fall under Braidwood’s jurisdiction. Others, however, feel that the IGA offers a more stable future, especially if it ensures Braidwood takes full responsibility for Custer Township. There was also concern about the lack of public access to the IGA draft. Many felt it was important to review the document before making decisions that could impact their community. Custer Park’s fire department closed in 2013 after the private Custer Fire Department, Inc., went out of business. Since then, the area relied on Braidwood for services, but in 2018, voters approved a referendum to reopen the CFPD in May 2019. Initially, Custer partnered with Riverside EMS for ambulance services, but that contract ended last fall. Under the current draft of the IGA, Braidwood would retain Custer’s ambulance. The agreement is set to last five years, after which it will be reviewed, and a potential merger could be considered. A merger would require voter approval and could lead to cost savings by eliminating redundancies such as dispatch and insurance. Thanks, Dennis Stamping parts are metal or plastic components that are produced by
stamping or pressing a sheet of material with a die. This process
involves the use of a stamping press, which applies pressure to the
material to shape it into the desired form. Stamping parts are used in a
wide range of industries, including automotive, aerospace,
construction, and electronics. Some common examples of stamping parts
include brackets, clips, connectors, hinges, and terminals. The
advantages of stamping parts include high production efficiency, low
cost, and the ability to produce complex shapes and designs. Stamping Parts,Galvanized Steel Sheet,Thin Sheet Metal,Metal Sheet Stamping Parts Suzhou Gold ant Precision Sheet Metal Co.,Ltd , https://www.jmysheetmetal.com