Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com: If the upcoming referendum on the Fox River and Countryside Fire Protection District fails to pass, Fire Chief John Nixon warned that the district would likely be forced to shut down within 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 closes, the State Fire Marshal will have to redistribute its coverage area among neighboring districts, which could result in emergency response times increasing by 12 to 15 minutes for residents currently served by the district. Nixon emphasized that while the message is serious, the goal is not to scare people but to present the facts so that the community can make an informed decision. “We don’t want to be intimidating,†he said. “We just want people to understand what’s at stake.†The chief presented the district’s financial situation and details of the April 4 ballot referendum during a recent town hall meeting. The event was strictly informational, and neither Nixon nor the board could take a formal stance on the issue. The referendum asks voters whether the property tax levy should be increased from the lesser of 5% or the Consumer Price Index increase to 95% for the 2017 levy year. For a home valued at $300,000, this would mean an extra $300 annually. If approved, the measure would bring in an additional $2.5 million per year. According to Nixon, the district still maintains the lowest tax rate compared to neighboring fire protection areas. However, it only relies on property taxes as its sole revenue source, with no funds set aside for capital replacements or equipment upgrades. Many of the district’s tools and gear are outdated, including life packs—each costing $40,000—which are essential for firefighter safety. The district has five of them, but there's no budget to replace them all. This lack of funding also affects staffing levels, as the district currently operates with only two firefighters per engine, far below the recommended four. On ambulance calls, the standard is two paramedics, but the district only has one paramedic and one EMT. The district covers a 38-square-mile area, and 27% of calls overlap, forcing firefighters to rely heavily on mutual aid from other districts. “This is a responsible plan,†Nixon said. “It’s a model for long-term sustainability. Our goal is to ensure that our fire and ambulance services remain operational for years to come. Every dollar we collect will be used wisely and transparently.†To raise awareness, the district has been active on social media and has launched 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 grain mills,grain grainder mill,grain milling machine,malt mill,grain crusher Wenzhou Deli Machinery Equipment Co., Ltd. , https://www.sungoodtech.com