Fire districts to seek increase in tax levy

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 raise the tax levy to the highest level permitted under state law. This decision was heavily influenced by a new state law mandating a gradual increase in the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2025. For these districts, this means firefighter salaries could exceed $200,000 annually. Full-time firefighters currently earn $9 per hour, while paramedics make $15. However, with the new wage hike, volunteer firefighters who previously received a fixed payment per call will soon transition to an hourly rate of $15.

In addition to the wage adjustments, there are other pressing demands on these departments. The Federal Drug Administration has mandated that fire departments replace their outdated cardiac monitors in ambulances. For instance, Bourbonnais has already spent $37,000 replacing monitors in two of their vehicles. Furthermore, all three districts need to upgrade their ambulance stretchers, which are over 20 years old, to newer electric models designed for single-person operation.

Another challenge these districts face is the declining number of volunteers. It now takes six months (250 hours) to get certified as a firefighter and another six months to become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). After certification, personnel must also undergo mandatory annual training. Previously, certifications were valid for life, but now they require periodic recertification according to the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Residents of Bourbonnais, where the median home value is $100,000, would see their tax bills rise significantly if the measure passes. Currently, they pay $135.33 annually, but this would jump to $283.33. The Bourbonnais fire district spans 36 square miles and serves a population of 36,000 people. Last year, they responded to 4,182 calls, making them the second busiest department in the county after Kankakee, which handled 6,756 calls. Accountants estimated that without the tax increase, the district would face a financial deficit by 2021.

At present, their station operates 24/7 with seven staff members per shift. Their goal is to add three more members to each shift. Established in 1948, this district initiated its ambulance service through a referendum in 1975.

For homeowners in Limestone Township, whose median home value is $172,800, the proposed tax increase would raise their annual bill by 66%, jumping from $338 to $564. This increase would only last for four years. This marks the first time the Limestone district, founded in 1951, has sought such a tax hike.

Firefighters currently earn $9 per hour, while paramedics make $12. In response to the minimum wage hikes, both groups will see their hourly rates increase by $1 annually until 2025. At that point, firefighters will start at $15 per hour, and paramedics at $18. Consequently, the board decided to propose a property tax increase to the voters.

Homeowners in Grant Park, where the median home value is $180,000, would experience a 66% tax hike, rising from $415 to $623 annually. This additional $260,000 in revenue would help address critical issues like apparatus replacement, staffing levels, and equipment upgrades. Industry standards recommend replacing fire trucks every 20 to 25 years, yet the average age of Grant Park’s fleet is 27 years. Maintenance costs have surged in recent years, and they must also replace all their air packs at a cost of $150,000.

Covering more than 60 square miles and serving a population of 5,000, Grant Park has managed to secure some grant money to cover certain equipment needs.