The Daily Herald has published another update on the ongoing discussions between the Village of Barrington and the Barrington & Countryside Fire Protection District (FPD). The conversation has taken a new turn, with village officials proposing more than just hiring laid-off firefighters — they’re now suggesting that the fire district offer substantial signing bonuses to make the transition more attractive.
This idea was first introduced in a letter sent by Barrington Village President Karen Darch to FPD President Tom Rowan on June 27. In addition to the hiring proposal, the letter also calls for the approval of an automatic-aid agreement, which would allow both agencies to respond to emergencies based on proximity to their respective stations, improving efficiency.
Rowan stated that the fire district’s board hasn’t had a chance to fully review the letter yet, but they plan to respond soon. A meeting is scheduled for Monday to discuss potential candidates for the interim administrator position.
While Darch’s letter suggests a meeting between her and Rowan during the week of July 8, it also raises concerns about the financial risks involved if any of the leased firefighters file for disability during the two-year lease period. The district’s current proposal involves leasing 18 firefighters from the village for two years, which could create liability issues for the village if those employees become disabled.
Rowan emphasized that the district’s goal is to save jobs and retain the expertise of the firefighters who would otherwise be laid off when the current contract ends in January. These experienced personnel, who know the area well, would work alongside new hires from a private firm to bring the total number of firefighters up to around 33.
However, Rowan noted that the district can’t immediately offer pension benefits to the laid-off firefighters, as they are currently receiving them. The two-year lease is seen as a temporary solution while the district explores long-term options, possibly including a tax-hike referendum to fund these benefits.
So far, the village hasn’t specified exactly how many firefighters will be affected, but fire district officials have expressed a desire to ensure no one loses their job. Meanwhile, Barrington trustees are set to receive a report from a consultant on July 15, which recommends restructuring the fire department in 2014.
The Barrington & Countryside FPD covers a large area of 48 square miles, including parts of Barrington Hills, Lake Barrington, South Barrington, and Inverness, as well as unincorporated areas of Cook, Lake, and McHenry counties. For years, the district has relied on contracts with the Village of Barrington for fire and paramedic services. However, this arrangement has come under scrutiny after the village denied requests for more firefighters and equipment.
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