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Residents of Itasca, Addison, and Wood Dale may soon have a decision to make when they head to the polls on April 4. The Itasca Fire Protection District, which serves much of these communities, is seeking an additional $1 million in property taxes to help cover escalating costs. These include personnel salaries, employee benefits, maintenance of their aging facilities, and other essential expenses.
Fire Chief James F. Burke Jr. emphasized that this request is strictly for maintaining current service levels. "We're not looking to hire more staff or build new stations," he stated. "Our goal is simply to sustain what we already offer while ensuring we can meet our financial obligations." Despite efforts to reduce spending over recent years, the district continues to face a growing deficit, leaving officials with limited choices moving forward.
Currently, the district operates with a modest workforce of 22 firefighter/paramedics, along with administrative support staff and leadership roles. They rely heavily on property taxes for funding—nearly all of their income comes from this source. However, the current budget of approximately $4.4 million falls short of covering all necessary expenditures. As a result, the district has had to dip into reserves to balance the books, but projections show that this trend cannot continue indefinitely.
In the absence of sufficient funds, the district risks having to reduce staffing levels. At present, they maintain a minimal crew of five individuals on duty more than half the time, operating with one three-person engine and another two-person ambulance unit. If voters approve the proposed levy, annual tax revenue would rise to around $5.47 million, providing much-needed relief.
For homeowners with properties valued at $200,000, this increase could translate to an extra $130 annually on their tax bill. While the primary purpose of the referendum is to secure operational funding, Chief Burke mentioned that any surplus might also help address critical infrastructure needs. For instance, there’s talk of setting aside funds for replacing aging vehicles and making much-needed repairs to the district’s 46-year-old firehouse located at 520 W. Irving Park Road.
Community members are encouraged to stay informed as discussions surrounding this issue unfold. Balancing public safety services with fiscal responsibility remains a delicate task, especially given the challenges posed by rising costs and limited resources. Ultimately, the outcome will hinge on whether residents feel confident that their investment will yield sustainable benefits for everyone involved.
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