Frankfort Area Voters To Decide On Frankfort Fire Protection District Tax Rate Increase

FRANKFORT, IL — In the Nov. 3 General Election, voters who live within the Frankfort Fire Protection District boundaries will decide on a referendum asking for an increase to the tax limiting rate for the fire district.

Voters will vote "yes" or "no" to the question. The exact question on the ballot is:

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"Shall the limiting rate under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law for the Frankfort Fire Protection District, Will and Cook Counties, Illinois, be increased by an additional amount equal to 0.325% above the limiting rate for levy year 2025 and be equal to 1.0481% of the equalized assessed value of the taxable property therein for levy year 2026?

(1) The approximate amount of taxes extendable at the most recent extended limiting rate is $15,558,572, and the approximate amount of taxes extendable if the proposition is approved is $22,551,430.

(2) For the 2026 levy year the approximate amount of the additional tax extendable against property containing a single-family residence and having a fair market value at the time of referendum of $100,000 is estimated to be $108.33 in Will County and $98.48 in Cook County.

(3) If the proposition is approved, the aggregate extension for 2026 will be determined by the limiting rate set forth in the proposition, rather than the otherwise applicable limiting rate calculated under the provisions of the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (commonly known as the Property Tax Cap Law).

'Rising Demands and Increasing Costs'

"The District has not asked voters for additional operating revenue since 2000," the fire district shared.

According to the fire district, calls for service have nearly doubled since 2005, but staffing has remained the same.

"Today, FFPD does not have enough firefighter/paramedics on duty to fully staff both an ambulance and a fire truck at every station at the same time," the fire district shared.

What Would Funding Be Used For

The Fire District said the funding would add firefighter/paramedics to fully staff fire trucks and ambulances, and also maintain competitive salaries and benefits to retain staff.

Aging vehicles and equipment would be replaced, and fire stations and facilities would be updated using the funds, according to the fire district website.

The District said it is behind its replacement schedule for vehicles and equipment. The referendum, if approved, would replace three ambulances and one fire engine.

If The Referendum Fails

The District is not always able to fully staff emergency responses, and relies on neighboring districts for some medical calls, according to the fire district website.

"Without additional funding, these pressures will continue and could result in reductions in service," the Fire District said.

The fire district services an area of 41.98 square miles, and parts or all of the Villages of Frankfort and Mokena, as well as Frankfort and Green Garden Townships.

Polls are open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3.