Excerpts from ChicagoTribune.com: If the upcoming referendum in the Fox River and Countryside Fire Protection District fails to approve a 95% increase in property taxes, Fire Chief John Nixon warned that the district may not survive beyond two years. “It would be a slow and painful death,†he said. “I wouldn’t give it more than two years.†If the fire district were to close, the State Fire Marshal would take over and assign its coverage area to neighboring districts. This would result in longer emergency response times—up to 12 to 15 minutes more for residents within the district, Nixon explained. “We’re not here to scare people or make threats,†Nixon said. “We just want to present the facts so people can make their own decisions.†The chief outlined the district’s financial challenges and the details of the April 4 ballot referendum at a recent town hall meeting. The event was strictly informational, and neither Nixon nor the board could express an official stance. The referendum asks voters whether the property tax levy should be raised from the lesser of 5% or the Consumer Price Index increase to 95% for the 2017 levy year. A home valued at $300,000 would see an additional $300 per year in taxes if approved. The increase is expected to generate $2.5 million annually. Nixon emphasized that the district currently has the lowest tax rate among neighboring fire protection areas. However, as a fire district, it relies solely on property taxes for funding. There is no reserve fund for capital asset replacements, and much of the equipment is aging and outdated. For example, life packs—critical pieces of gear used by firefighters—cost $40,000 each, and the district has five of them. Replacing all of them would require $200,000, which the district doesn’t have. The funds from the referendum would go toward replacing aging equipment, improving staffing, and building a capital replacement fund. Currently, the district only has two firefighters per engine, below the recommended four. On ambulance calls, there should be two paramedics, but the district only has one paramedic and one EMT. This puts extra strain on the team during emergencies. The district covers a 38-square-mile area, with 27% of calls overlapping, meaning they often rely on mutual aid from other departments. “This is a responsible plan,†Nixon said. “It sets a model for long-term sustainability. Every dollar will be accounted for, and we are committed to serving our community for years to come.†To raise awareness, the fire district has launched a social media campaign and maintains a dedicated website about 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 Shearing Machine,Hydraulic Shearing,Hydraulic Guillotine,Hydraulic Shearing Machine Jiangsu Dalongkai Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.dlkscrapbaler.com