Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:
The Newport Township Fire Protection District is once again proposing a tax increase to modernize its equipment and maintain essential services.
A referendum on the March 15 ballot will ask voters to approve an additional 0.132 cents per $100 of a home’s assessed market 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.
Chief Kirchhoffer explained that taxes for the fire district haven’t increased in over two decades, but rising costs and aging equipment have created a financial strain. He pointed out that property values in the township dropped significantly—from $268,807,724 in 2009 to $188,752,091 in 2015—leading to a loss of around $80 million in taxable value. This has left the fire district with only $1.25 million in annual revenue, while its budget stands at $1.9 million.
“Our tax rate would be fine if we had something to tax,†Kirchhoffer said. “I understand people don’t want taxes to go up, but I live here too. 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 and efficient.â€
If the tax increase passes, the funds will be used to replace outdated equipment. According to National Fire Protection Association standards, fire engines should be replaced every 25 years. The district currently operates vehicles purchased in 1989, 1995, and 2000, as well as a tanker from 2000. All firefighters will receive new gear, and the district plans to replace two old 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. The area is roughly 40% residential, 35% farmland, and 25% owned by the Forest Preserve. A small portion is commercial or industrial.
Interestingly, 95% of the coverage area lacks public water infrastructure, which means the fire department must rely heavily on tankers. “People don’t realize we need more tankers than other departments because there are no water mains,†Kirchhoffer explained.
Additionally, the district is responsible for responding to accidents on Interstate 94, and the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority does not provide reimbursement for these calls. While the department earns some revenue from ambulance services, changes in healthcare policies have led to lower insurance reimbursements, even though the level of service remains the same.
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