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. Local officials are pushing for a more streamlined approach to emergency response by merging fire and rescue operations into a single, unified system. This initiative, which could begin within the next two months, would place the Antioch Fire Department in charge of all fire and rescue services across both the village of Antioch and Antioch Township. A central part of this plan is the introduction of a new property tax specifically for emergency services. Fire Chief John Nixon mentioned that members of the fire safety commission are already meeting with local leaders to propose a 25-cent tax increase on property assessments. If approved by voters in November, homeowners with a $150,000 property would pay approximately $140 per year to support the new system. The proposal includes separate voting options for village and township residents, with both needing to approve the measure to generate around $1.6 million annually for the fire department. The plan aims to replace the current fragmented system, where three separate agencies—First Fire Protection District, Antioch Rescue Squad, and the Antioch Fire Department—share responsibility for emergency services across a 37-square-mile area. Under the new structure, the Antioch Fire Department would become the sole provider of fire and rescue services. A five-member emergency services board, composed of representatives from both the village and township, would oversee operations. This board would replace the existing three-member fire district board. An intergovernmental agreement between the village and township will be required to formalize the change. Additionally, the village and township would be responsible for covering any extra costs beyond what the tax levy provides. To ensure comprehensive coverage, the fire department plans to staff three stations: two in the village, which handles 65% of calls, and one in the unincorporated areas of Antioch Township on Grass Lake Road. Currently, funding comes from a mix of village and township budgets, insurance companies, and private donations. However, officials say this model is unsustainable. Antioch Village Administrator Jim Keim noted that the village pays about $66,000 monthly to Metro Paramedic Service for ambulance staffing and rescue operations, only recouping about half through patient or insurance payments. “We need a sustainable way to fund this,” Keim said. “Otherwise, it will continue to strain the village’s general fund.” As part of the overhaul, the First Fire Protection District announced it will not renew its contract with the Antioch Rescue Squad (ARS), ending their partnership by May. This decision marks another challenge for the 75-year-old volunteer-based organization, which has been struggling since 2012. ARS Chief Brian DeKind confirmed the group will now focus on community paramedicine, including wellness checks and home health care services. The changes signal a shift in how emergency services are managed and funded in the region, with long-term implications for residents and local government alike.

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