Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:
The Newport Township Fire Protection District is once again pushing for a tax increase to modernize its aging equipment. A referendum on the March 15 ballot will ask voters to approve an additional 0.132 cents per $100 of a home's assessed value—exactly the same proposal that failed last year with just 44% of the vote. If approved, residents with a $100,000 home would pay about $43.75 annually to the fire district, according to Fire Chief Mark Kirchhoffer.
Tax rates for the fire department haven't increased in over two decades, and the chief says the money is essential to replace outdated gear. He pointed out that home values in the township have dropped significantly—from $268 million in 2009 to $188 million in 2015—resulting in a loss of around $80 million in taxable value. This has led to a budget shortfall, with the district facing a $1.9 million budget but only $1.25 million in annual tax revenue.
"Our tax rate would be fine if we had something to tax," Kirchhoffer said. "People don’t want taxes to go up, and I understand that. But I live here, and I want an ambulance at my door if I need it. You can’t do it much cheaper than we’re doing it, and people deserve good fire protection. We're trying to be smart with our money."
If the referendum passes, the funds would be used to replace old equipment. According to National Fire Protection Association standards, fire apparatus should be replaced every 25 years. The district currently operates engines purchased in 1989, 1995, and 2000, as well as a tanker from 2000. All firefighters need new gear, and the district plans to replace two outdated heart monitors and one ambulance.
The fire district serves a population of 38 volunteers covering 2,300 structures across 33 square miles, including parts of Beach Park, Old Mill Creek, Wadsworth, and unincorporated Lake County. About 40% of the area is residential, 35% is farmland, and 25% is managed by the Forest Preserve. A small portion is commercial or industrial.
Most of the district lacks public water infrastructure, which means the fire department must rely heavily on tankers for water supply. “People don’t realize how many more tankers we need compared to other departments,†Kirchhoffer explained. The district also responds to accidents on Interstate 94, but the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority does not provide reimbursement for these calls.
While the fire department generates some income from ambulance fees, changes in healthcare policies and insurance coverage have reduced reimbursements, even though the level of service remains the same. Despite these challenges, Kirchhoffer and his team continue to work hard to keep the community safe with limited resources.
Three Side Sealing Bag Making Machine
Three Side Sealing Bag Making Machine,Three Folding Bag Making Machine,Three Line Bag Making Machine,Three Side Sealing Bagmaking Machine
Wuxi Shengkun Machinery Co.,Ltd , https://www.skbagmakingmachine.com