Antioch looking at tax referendum for EMS

The *Daily Herald* recently published an article discussing a proposed tax levy aimed at supporting emergency medical services (EMS) in Antioch. The plan, which could be implemented within the next two months, involves consolidating fire and rescue operations into a single, unified system managed by the Antioch Fire Department. This initiative is backed by local officials who believe it will improve efficiency and streamline emergency response across the village of Antioch and Antioch Township. A key part of the proposal is the introduction of a new property tax specifically for emergency services. Fire Chief John Nixon explained that the fire safety commission is working with village and township leaders to place a 25-cent tax rate on the November ballot. If approved, homeowners would pay approximately $140 per year on a $150,000 property. The measure would require separate votes from both the village and township residents, and if both approve, it would generate around $1.6 million annually for the fire department. Currently, the area's emergency services are managed by multiple agencies: the First Fire Protection District of Antioch, the Antioch Rescue Squad, and the Antioch Fire Department. This fragmented system has led to confusion and inefficiencies. Under the new plan, the Antioch Fire Department would take full responsibility for all fire and rescue services in the 37-square-mile region. The proposal also includes the formation of a five-member emergency services board, replacing the current three-member fire protection district board. This new board would oversee the fire department and ensure smooth operations. An intergovernmental agreement between the village and township is required to formalize the arrangement, and both entities would be responsible for covering any additional costs beyond the tax levy. To support the new system, the fire department plans to staff three stations. Two are located in the village, where most of the calls originate, while the third will be stationed on Grass Lake Road to serve unincorporated areas in Antioch Township. Funding for the current system comes from a mix of village and township budgets, insurance companies, and private donations—something officials say is unsustainable. Antioch Village Administrator Jim Keim noted that the village currently spends about $66,000 a month on ambulance services through Metro Paramedic Service, with only half of that amount being reimbursed by patients or insurance. The remaining cost is absorbed by the village’s general fund. “We need to find a way to fund this,” Keim said. “Otherwise, it will continue to strain our budget.” As part of the changes, the First Fire Protection District announced it will not renew its contract with the Antioch Rescue Squad (ARS), which has been operating as a subcontractor for years. The partnership ends in May, marking another blow to the 75-year-old volunteer organization. ARS Chief Brian DeKind confirmed that the group will now focus on community paramedicine, including wellness checks and home health care. While the future of the rescue squad remains uncertain, the shift reflects broader efforts to adapt to changing needs in emergency services.

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