The Southtown Star recently published an article highlighting another fire district struggling to secure additional funding.
Bob Tutko, the chief of the Homer Township Fire Protection District, shared concerns about the aging equipment their department relies on. Illinois allows antique vehicle plates for vehicles that have been on the road for over 20 years, and Tutko jokes that his department might soon need one for their 19-year-old tanker truck—if it lasts that long. Replacing the truck was part of a $4.7 million bond proposal that voters rejected last week. The funds would have also gone toward repairs at the district’s three stations.
Tutko explained that much-needed maintenance and equipment upgrades will now have to be delayed. Budget cuts may even force the district to stop offering free child car seat checks, as the cost of training staff for such services is too high. “Things are starting to break, and they’re coming in faster than we can afford to fix them,†he said.
The local economy has taken a hit due to the recession, which has led to a drop in home values. As a result, the district has lost $2 million in property tax revenue over the past few years. Without voter approval, the district can’t significantly increase its tax levy, Tutko noted.
Additionally, the recession impacted plans for a major mall near U.S. 6 and Cedar Road, which would have brought in significant tax revenue. Condominiums and apartment complexes were also planned along Cedar, but those projects were put on hold.
In Homer, nearly half of the 20-square-mile district lacks fire hydrants, making the tanker truck essential. However, the 3,000-gallon-capacity truck is often out of service due to its age. The district once had two such trucks, but the second one was retired because it was no longer reliable. The repair shop that maintains the remaining truck won’t guarantee its work, citing its advanced age.
“It’s basically rotting from the inside out,†Tutko said.
A new tanker truck would cost $325,000, and the district is waiting to hear if it qualifies for a government grant to replace the old one. Meanwhile, the district’s treasurer recommended setting aside $500,000 annually for vehicle replacements, building maintenance, and equipment purchases. But last year, only $25,000 was saved.
Efforts to renegotiate the firefighters’ contract have already saved $375,000 in overtime costs, but Tutko admits there’s a limit to how much more can be cut without compromising safety.
Thanks, Dan.
Large Screen Dash Cam,smart dash cam for car,Best Dash Cam With Screen,Driving Video Recorder,dash cam for car
Shenzhen Future Automotive Technology Co,Ltd , http://www.fuchuangauto.com