Excerpts from MySuburbanlife.com:
Mayor Donny Schmit of the Village of Fox Lake has expressed concerns about the village's role in negotiating fire and ambulance services, stating that "there's politics involved." He believes it's time for a change.
A key issue is set to be decided on March 15, when voters will be asked whether the village should join the Fox Lake Fire Protection District. If approved, the responsibility of funding and managing these services would shift entirely to the fire district. The village would no longer be involved in contract negotiations, and homeowners would pay taxes directly to the district.
Currently, residents in the fire district already pay higher taxes for emergency services. By joining the district, village residents would see a small increase—about $60 per year for a home valued at $100,000. However, this would help level the playing field, as the village currently subsidizes the fire district with an extra $210,000 annually to offset the difference in tax rates.
"This referendum will make sure that fire and ambulance tax rates are equal across the entire area," said Ron Hoehne, chief of the Fox Lake Fire Protection District. "It’s fairer for everyone."
The fire district serves over 33,000 people across several communities, including parts of Fox Lake, Round Lake, McHenry, Ingleside, Lakemoor, Spring Grove, Volo, Grant, Burton, and Antioch Townships. Notably, 55% of its calls come from the village itself.
Mayor Schmit argued that it makes sense for the village to join the district, saying it would create a more balanced system. Fire Chief Hoehne echoed this sentiment, noting that other nearby communities like Wauconda, McHenry, and Spring Grove have already made the switch. "It’s a trend we’re seeing all around us," he said.
If the referendum passes, the fire district plans to hire three more firefighter/paramedics, which would mean one additional staff member on duty each day. It would also allow the district to update its aging vehicle fleet.
However, if the vote fails, the current arrangement would continue. That means village residents would still pay less than those in the fire district, and the village would have to keep covering the financial gap.
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