In recent news from the Chicago Tribune, the Newport Township Fire Protection District is once again pushing for a tax increase, this time with a proposal appearing on the March 15 ballot. The measure seeks an additional .132 cents for every $100 of a home's assessed market value, mirroring last year's failed initiative that garnered only 44% of the vote. Should the referendum pass, homeowners with properties valued at $100,000 would face an annual tax hike of $43.75, according to Newport Fire Chief Mark Kirchhoffer.
Kirchhoffer emphasized that taxes haven't seen an increase in the district for 23 years, necessitating this move to update essential equipment. He noted that property values in the township plummeted from $268,807,724 in 2009 to $188,752,091 in 2015, resulting in significantly reduced tax revenues. This decline of nearly $80 million in taxable value has left the fire district operating on just $1.25 million in tax income, while maintaining a $1.9 million annual budget.
Inside the fire station, Chief Kirchhoffer expressed his frustration: “Our tax rate would be fine if we had something to tax.†Despite the pushback against tax increases, he stressed the importance of fire protection and emergency services, adding, “I live here too, and I expect an ambulance to show up if I ever need one. We're trying to be cost-effective and provide top-notch service.â€
The funds from the proposed increase would primarily go toward replacing outdated equipment. According to the National Fire Protection Association standards, apparatus like fire trucks should be replaced every 25 years. The fire district currently operates vehicles acquired as far back as 1989, 1995, and 2000. There’s also a tanker purchased in 2000 that requires replacement. Additionally, the firefighters need updated gear, and the district aims to replace two aging heart monitors and one ambulance.
Serving an area covering 2,300 structures across 33 square miles in parts of Beach Park, Old Mill Creek, Wadsworth, and unincorporated Lake County, the fire district employs 38 personnel. Approximately 40% of the land is residential, 35% agricultural, and 25% is preserved by the Forest Preserve. Less than 5% is commercial or industrial. Notably, 95% of the coverage area lacks public water infrastructure, meaning the fire district must maintain a larger fleet of tankers to meet these unique demands.
Kirchhoffer highlighted another challenge: the fire district covers emergency response along Interstate 94, yet the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority doesn't compensate for those calls. Financially, while the district collects some revenue from ambulance fees, changes in healthcare laws have affected insurance reimbursements, forcing them to provide the same level of service despite receiving less funding.
As residents weigh their options, the debate continues between ensuring critical services and managing tax burdens. Chief Kirchhoffer concluded, “We’re trying to be prudent, but we also need to keep pace with modern safety requirements. People deserve reliable protection, and we’re committed to delivering that.â€
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