Excerpts from ChicagoTribune.com: If the upcoming referendum on increasing property taxes by 95% fails, Fire Chief John Nixon of the Fox River and Countryside Fire Protection District warned that the district might not survive beyond two years. “It would be a slow and painful death,†he said. “I wouldn’t give it more than two years.†If the fire district were to close, the State Fire Marshal would have to redistribute its coverage area among neighboring districts. This could lead to longer emergency response times—up to 12 to 15 minutes for residents currently served by the district. Nixon emphasized that the district is not trying to scare people but rather present the facts so that residents can make informed decisions. “We have to show people the facts and you can draw your own conclusions,†he said. At a recent town hall meeting on April 4, Nixon presented the district’s financial situation and details about the referendum, which will appear on the ballot in 2017. The meeting was purely informational, and neither Nixon nor the board could express an official stance. The referendum asks whether the property tax levy should be increased from the lesser of 5% or the Consumer Price Index increase to 95% per year for the 2017 levy. For a home valued at $300,000, this would mean an additional $300 annually. If approved, the measure would bring in an extra $2.5 million each year. Nixon noted that even with this increase, the district would still have the lowest tax rate compared to neighboring fire protection districts. As a fire district, it relies solely on property taxes for funding and has no other revenue sources. The district also lacks a capital asset replacement fund, and much of its equipment is outdated. For example, five life packs—each costing $40,000—need to be replaced, but there's no money available for that. The funds from the referendum would go toward replacing aging equipment, hiring more personnel, and maintaining service quality. Currently, the district only has two firefighters per engine, while safety standards recommend four. On ambulance calls, they operate with one paramedic and one EMT, whereas the recommended number is two paramedics. The district covers a 38-square-mile area, and 27% of its calls overlap with other districts, requiring mutual aid. Nixon called the proposed plan “responsible†and said it aims to ensure long-term sustainability for fire and ambulance services. “Every dollar is accountable to you, the taxpayers,†he said. “This is a model for sustaining our operations for years to come.†The district has been active on social media and maintains a dedicated website to explain the referendum. Another town hall meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 13, at 6:30 p.m. at the Campton Township Community Center, located at 5N082 Old LaFox Road. Thanks Dan & Scott Beer Fermenter,Beer Fermentation Tank,Stainless Steel Beer Fermenter,Cylindro Conical Fermenter Wenzhou Deli Machinery Equipment Co., Ltd. , https://www.sungoodtech.com