Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com: The Newport Township Fire Protection District is once again proposing a tax increase to modernize its equipment and ensure continued service. A referendum on the March 15 ballot will ask voters to approve an additional 0.132 cents per $100 of a home’s assessed market value—same as the proposal that failed last year with just 44% of the vote. If approved, residents with a $100,000 home would pay around $43.75 annually to the fire district, according to Fire Chief Mark Kirchhoffer. Fire taxes have not been raised in over two decades, but the district now faces a growing financial challenge. Home values in the township have dropped significantly—from $268.8 million in 2009 to $188.8 million in 2015. This decline has led to a loss of about $80 million in taxable value, leaving the fire district with only $1.25 million in annual revenue against a $1.9 million budget. “Our tax rate would be fine if we had something to tax,†Kirchhoffer said. “People don’t want taxes to go up, and I understand that. But I live here too, and I want an ambulance to come if I need it.†The district is currently using aging equipment, including fire engines purchased in 1989, 1995, and 2000, as well as a tanker from 2000. According to National Fire Protection Association standards, equipment should be replaced every 25 years. The fire department also needs new gear for all firefighters, along with two outdated heart monitors and one ambulance. “We’re trying to be frugal and good business people,†Kirchhoffer added. The Newport Fire District covers 33 square miles across portions of Beach Park, Old Mill Creek, Wadsworth, and unincorporated Lake County. It serves 2,300 structures with a team of 38 volunteers. The area is roughly 40% residential, 35% farmland, and 25% owned by the Forest Preserve. Only 5% of the area has public water infrastructure, which means the fire department must rely heavily on tankers for firefighting operations. “People don’t realize how different our needs are compared to other departments,†Kirchhoffer said. “We need more tankers because there are no water mains.†In addition, the district responds to crashes on Interstate 94, but the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority does not cover those costs. While the department earns some revenue through ambulance fees, recent changes in healthcare laws have reduced insurance reimbursements, even though the level of service remains the same. Water Bottle,Crystal Water Bottle,Custom Water Bottle,Custom Glass Water Bottle XUZHOU NORTH STAR PACKING PRODUCTS CO.,LTD , https://www.xzns-group.com