Excerpts from NWHerald.com:
The Wonder Lake Fire Protection District is seeking voter approval for a referendum on the March 17 election ballot to increase its property tax levy. Currently, an average homeowner with a $100,000 home pays $153 in taxes to the district. If the referendum passes, that amount would rise by $33, bringing the total to $186 per year. The current maximum tax revenue the district can collect is $963,994, but they are requesting an increase to $1,152,054.
A key reason for this tax hike is the significant rise in insurance costs—specifically, a 52% increase in general and workers' compensation insurance. These costs are tied to employee wages, and as minimum wage increases, so do these expenses. This year, the minimum wage increased, and it will continue rising until it reaches $15 per hour in 2025. With the current tax rate, the fire district’s budget will be largely consumed by payroll, leaving little for operational needs.
Emergency call volume has also increased by 43% over the past 19 years. However, the district only has three full-time members, which leads to the use of a "jump crew" system. When an ambulance or fire call comes in, all three respond, creating long response times if help must come from neighboring areas like McHenry or Richmond—sometimes taking up to 12 to 15 minutes.
Additionally, the district’s equipment is aging. One of their frontline fire engines is 26 years old. Modern engines are safer, especially in the event of a rollover, and offer better protection for firefighters. Replacing older vehicles could reduce maintenance costs and prevent further financial strain on the district.
If the referendum is approved, the district won’t see any new funding immediately. However, after one year, they plan to issue a bid for a new engine. Without the approval, the district may have to reduce its on-duty personnel, which could further impact response times and safety.
To offset some costs, the fire district has applied for state grants and has minimized its command staff by not replacing employees who have left. These efforts show a commitment to fiscal responsibility, but the growing demands on the department make the proposed tax increase necessary for long-term sustainability.
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