Excerpts from ChicagoTribune.com: If the upcoming referendum by the Fox River and Countryside Fire Protection District, which aims to raise property taxes by 95%, fails, Fire Chief John Nixon warned that the district might be forced to shut down 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 district’s coverage area among neighboring fire departments. This could lead to emergency response times increasing by 12 to 15 minutes 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 people can make their own decisions.†The chief explained the financial situation of the district and the details of the referendum during a town hall meeting on Monday, April 4. The meeting was purely informational, and neither Nixon nor the board could express an official stance. 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. A homeowner with a $300,000 property would pay an extra $300 annually if the measure passes. The proposed increase is expected to generate $2.5 million for the district. Compared to nearby fire districts, Fox River and Countryside still has the lowest tax rate, according to Nixon. As a fire protection district, the only source of revenue is property taxes. The district currently has no reserve fund for replacing aging equipment. Items like life packs—critical gear for firefighters—are becoming outdated. A single life pack costs $40,000, and the district has five of them. There's no budget to replace them all. Officials say the funds from the referendum will be used for capital replacements, hiring more personnel, and updating equipment. Currently, there are only two firefighters per engine, while safety standards recommend four. On ambulance calls, the district only has one paramedic and one EMT, though the standard is two paramedics. The district covers a 38-square-mile area, and 27% of its calls require mutual aid from other departments. “This is a realistic and responsible plan,†Nixon said. “It sets a model for long-term sustainability. Every dollar we spend will be accountable to you, the taxpayers.†To raise awareness, the fire district has been active on social media and maintains a dedicated website for the referendum. Another 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
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