Archive for March 6th, 2018

South Elgin and Countryside Fire Protection District news

Excerpts from the DailyHerald.com:

The South Elgin and Countryside Fire Protection District is asking voters March 20 to approve two tax increases to build and equip two fire stations. The first referendum entails borrowing $10 million for building, including a station on the far East Side. The second question asks for a 0.1 percent increase to the fire district levy to pay for equipment and a minimum of nine more full-time firefighters.

For a taxpayer with a $200,000 home the combined increase is $129.25 yearly. Those who claim a homeowner’s exemption would pay slightly less, according to a consulting firm. The district hasn’t had a referendum since 1998, which was successful and addressed staffing needs.The 24-square-mile district employs 30 full-time firefighters/paramedics and part-timers who last year responded to 2,900 calls, 70 percent of which were for emergency services. Part of the plan would be to relocate the existing station on State Street, which is 60 years old and has structural problems that need addressing. That station, adjacent to the village hall, could be sold to the village.

District officials have said the new stations and manpower are needed to deal with future growth, some of it already in the works. Under the plan, the district’s three fire stations would be well-positioned to each cover about one-third of the territory. A new far East Side station could handle multiple new commercial and residential construction projects.

While the overall price might seem steep, the extra $10.77 per month seems reasonable. More strategically located stations will mean quicker response times. When one considers the district also has a hazardous materials response team and a dive rescue team, it’s money well spent. We recommend a yes vote.

thanks Dan

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Fox River & Countryside Fire/Rescue District news (more)

Excerpts from the kcchronicle.com:

In its fifth attempt to pass a referendum, the Fox River & Countryside Fire/Rescue District is seeking voter approval in the March 20 primary election of a 16-cent increase that would hike the fire district’s current rate to 43 cents from 27 cents per $100 of equalized assessed value, providing about $1 million more per year to the agency. If it does not pass, fire officials said the district will be forced to rotate closure of its two stations in order to save money.

The district covers 38 square miles and serves about 25,000 residents in Campton Hills, Wayne and St. Charles townships in Kane and DuPage counties.

During the last election cycle in 2017, when the public voted down the tax increase, Doreen Anderson didn’t vote. But these days, she has a vote yes sign in her yard.  

Wayne resident Michael Schulz said he will vote no again, that the district threatened to close stations in the last two failed referendum requests.  “Not anything has changed,” Schulz said. “This referendum is the fire district just trying another tactic in order to persuade taxpayers to pony up their hard-earned income to make up for their sins and mistakes from the very start of putting together this fire district.”

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Vintage 5-11 Alarm fire in Chicago, 2-17-74 (more)

audio recording of the 5-11 Alarm fire 2-17-74 at the former International Harvestor Works building at 26th & Rockwell

this was a 5-11 Alarm with 3 special alarms (9 additional engines and 2 flying squads)

 

thanks Steve

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