The proposition is asking voters to create a new tax rate for emergency and rescue fund purposes.
By Andrea Earnest, Patch Staff
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LOCKPORT, IL — Voters who pay property taxes to the Lockport Township Fire Protection District will see a referendum question on the ballot March 17. The proposition is asking voters to create a new tax rate for emergency and rescue fund purposes.
According to documents filed with the Will County Clerk’s office, the district wants to provide additional funding to pay for the costs of emergency rescue crews and equipment.
A press release from the fire district says it is seeking the referendum to increase services to all.
“Over the past 20 years, the Lockport Township Fire Protection District’s response for emergency service has tripled to more than 10,000 incidents. Over this time period, the fire service has evolved,” the release states.
The district said it handles fire and medical emergencies, but also fire and arson investigations, and train in hazardous materials mitigation, water rescue incidents, fire boat operations, airport rescue firefighting and more.
The district said it is the second busiest fire protection district in the state.
The question voters will see on the ballot is:
“Shall the Lockport Township Fire Protection District, Will County, Illinois, be authorized to levy a new tax for emergency and rescue crews and equipment purposes and have an additional tax of .10 percent of the equalized assessed value of the taxable property therein extended for such purposes?”
Documents state for the 2020 levy year, a $100,000 home would pay $33.33, if the tax passes.
The fire district said this is the first proposed tax increase in 20 years.
“[The tax increase] will allow the fire district to expand EMS service by adding a sixth ambulance and provide better coverage to the community with increased manpower and the most advanced life-saving equipment,” a release from the district says. “It would also allow for replacement of an aging vehicle fleet.”
The general primary election in Illinois will be held March 17. You can find your polling place online.
