Fox River and Countryside Fire Rescue District news (more)

According to Fire Chief John Nixon of the Fox River and Countryside Fire Protection District, if the upcoming referendum to raise property taxes by 95% fails, the district may not survive beyond two years. "It would be a slow and painful death," Nixon said. "I wouldn’t give it more than two years." If the district were to close, the State Fire Marshal would have to redistribute its coverage area among neighboring fire departments, which could result in emergency response times increasing by 12 to 15 minutes for residents.

"It is not in our nature to be intimidating or threatening," Nixon explained. "We just want to present the facts so people can make their own decisions." At a town hall meeting on Monday, Nixon provided details about the district's financial situation and the referendum question that will appear on the April 4 ballot. The meeting was strictly 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. For a home valued at $300,000, this would mean an additional $300 per year in taxes. If approved, the measure would generate an extra $2.5 million annually.

Nixon emphasized that the district currently has the lowest tax rate compared to neighboring fire protection districts. However, as a fire protection 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. For example, five life packs—each costing $40,000—need to be replaced, but the district lacks the $200,000 required for this.

The funds from the referendum would go toward replacing equipment, hiring more personnel, and maintaining operations. Currently, the district only has two firefighters per engine, while safety standards recommend four. Ambulance calls are also understaffed, with only one paramedic and one EMT responding instead of the recommended two paramedics.

The district covers a 38-square-mile area, and 27% of calls overlap with Other districts, requiring mutual aid. "This is a responsible plan," Nixon said. "It’s a model for long-term sustainability. Our goal is to ensure reliable fire and ambulance service for years to come. Every dollar we spend will be accountable to you, the taxpayers."

To help inform the public, the district has launched a social media campaign and maintains a dedicated website. A second 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

Electric Raclette Grill

Electric Raclette Grill,Raclette Grill,Best Raclette Grills,Raclette Mini Grill,griller,BBQ griller

Yilian Smart Manufacturing Co.,Ltd , https://www.ylcrepemaker.com