Fire districts to seek increase in tax levy

Excerpts from the daily-journal.com

Back in the fall, the boards of trustees for the Bourbonnais, Grant Park, and Limestone fire districts unanimously agreed to put measures on the March 17 primary ballot. These measures aim to ask local voters to raise the tax levy to the maximum legal limit. This decision came amid growing financial pressures due to recent legislative changes and operational needs.

One significant factor driving these requests is a new state law mandating a gradual increase in the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2025. For the three fire districts, this means annual wage expenses could exceed $200,000. At present, full-time firefighters earn $9 per hour, while paramedics make $15. With volunteer firefighters currently receiving a flat rate per call, this arrangement will shift to an hourly wage of $15 once the new minimum wage takes effect.

In addition to the wage hike, federal regulations are also contributing to budgetary challenges. The FDA now requires fire departments to update their cardiac monitors in ambulances. Bourbonnais has already replaced two monitors at a cost of $37,000. Furthermore, all three departments need to upgrade their ambulance stretchers to electric models designed for single-person operation.

Another concern is the declining number of volunteers. Training requirements have become more rigorous, with certifications now requiring 250 hours over six months for firefighting and an additional six months for EMT certification. Even after initial certification, ongoing mandatory training is necessary. Previously lifetime-valid certifications are now subject to regular recertification under the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Residents of Bourbonnais might notice a substantial rise in their tax bills if the measure passes. A median home valued at $100,000 would see its annual tax increase from $135.33 to $283.33. Covering 36 square miles and serving 36,000 residents, the Bourbonnais district handled 4,182 calls last year—second only to Kankakee’s 6,756 calls. Financial projections indicate the district could face deficits by 2021 without additional funding.

Currently, the station operates 24/7 with seven staff members on each shift. The plan is to expand each shift by three additional personnel. Established in 1948, the district launched its ambulance service via a referendum in 1975.

Residents in Limestone Township, where the median home value stands at $172,800, would experience a 66% jump in their tax bill, rising from $338 to $564 annually. However, this increase is temporary, set to expire in four years. This marks the first time the district, founded in 1951, has sought such an increase.

Firefighters currently earn $9 per hour, while paramedics make $12. In light of the wage hikes, both groups will see their hourly rates rise by $1 annually until 2025, when firefighters will begin at $15 and paramedics at $18 per hour. Consequently, the board voted to seek voter approval for a property tax hike.

In Grant Park, where the median home value is $180,000, homeowners would face a 66% increase in their taxes, jumping from $415 to $623 annually. This additional $260,000 in revenue would help cover apparatus replacements, staffing improvements, and equipment upgrades. Industry standards suggest fire vehicles should be retired between 20 and 25 years; however, Grant Park’s fleet averages 27 years old. Maintenance costs have surged recently, and the department must also replace all air packs, costing around $150,000.

Serving over 60 square miles with a population of 5,000, Grant Park has managed to secure grants for some equipment purchases.