Excerpts from the Chicago Tribune online: According to recent reports from the ChicagoTribune.com, if the upcoming referendum question proposed by the Fox River and Countryside Fire Protection District fails, Fire Chief John Nixon has warned that the fire district might cease operations within the next two years. “It would be a gradual but excruciating decline,†Nixon stated. “I wouldn’t expect us to last beyond that timeframe.†In the event that the fire district shuts down, the State Fire Marshal would be tasked with redistributing its service area among nearby districts. This would result in a significant delay in emergency response times, increasing them by 12 to 15 minutes for residents within the affected zone, Nixon explained. “We’re not trying to be intimidating or alarmist,†Nixon emphasized. “Our aim is to present the facts and let people decide for themselves.†At a town hall meeting held on Monday, Nixon discussed the financial situation of the district and outlined the details of the referendum question, which will appear on the April 4 ballot. Neither Nixon nor the board were permitted to take a public stance during the meeting, as it was purely informational. The referendum seeks approval to raise the property tax levy from the lesser of 5% or the Consumer Price Index percentage increase from the previous year to a staggering 95% for the 2017 levy year. For instance, homeowners with properties valued at $300,000 could expect to pay an extra $300 annually if the measure passes. Should the proposal succeed, it would generate an additional $2.5 million. Even after the increase, Fox River and Countryside Fire Protection District would still maintain one of the lowest tax rates compared to neighboring districts. Being a fire protection district, its sole source of income remains property taxes. However, the district lacks funds for a capital asset replacement fund and is currently equipped with aging gear. Life packs, essential for firefighter safety, are becoming outdated and require replacement. Each pack costs $40,000, and with five needed, the district faces a shortfall of $200,000. Officials have outlined plans to allocate the funds raised through the referendum toward purchasing new equipment, establishing a reserve fund for assets, and improving staffing levels. Presently, the district operates with two firefighters per engine, whereas fire safety standards recommend four. Similarly, while two paramedics are ideal for each ambulance call, the district deploys only one paramedic and one EMT. Covering an area of 38 square miles, the district receives approximately 27% of its calls from overlapping areas, necessitating mutual aid from surrounding departments. “This is a thoughtful and responsible plan,†Nixon remarked. “Our objective is to ensure long-term sustainability for fire and ambulance services. Every penny will be transparent and accountable to taxpayers.†To bolster support, the fire district has launched a social media initiative and created a dedicated website for the referendum. Another 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 to Dan and Scott for sharing this information! I just wanted to add some thoughts here. While the financial challenges facing the Fox River and Countryside Fire Protection District are clear, it's crucial that residents understand the broader implications of their decision. Emergency response times are already stretched thin, and without adequate funding, these delays could worsen significantly. I encourage everyone to attend the upcoming town hall meeting or visit the district's website to learn more about how their tax dollars will be used to enhance safety and service quality. It's a community effort, and every voice counts. Feel free to reach out with any questions or feedback! Sensor Bin,Smart Garbage Bins,Motion Sensor Bin,Sensor Kitchen Bin Evergreen Houseware , https://www.evergreenhome.cn