New Lenox Fire Referendum: 10 Things To Know

NEW LENOX, IL - Next month, on March 20, voters in the New Lenox area will have their say at the ballot box. They will decide whether to go along with the New Lenox Fire Protection District's recommendation to increase their property tax bills. Fire officials maintain that the additional money is crucial to providing the New Lenox area with top-notch firefighting and ambulance service. New Lenox, like many communities, has its share of fires. Over the past couple weeks, New Lenox firefighters rushed out to a fire at the Ace Hardware store and another fire at the Burger King restaurant. Both fires were extinguished in quick fashion.

With the key election looming, Patch compiled the following data from a New Lenox Fire Protection District referendum brochure that's been circulated in preparation for the important March 20 election. Here are 10 things to consider as you weigh your vote on March 20.

1. HOW WILL THIS AFFECT MY POCKETBOOK?

The owner of a $300,000 home could expect to pay an additional $202 in annual property taxes to New Lenox's Fire Protection District. The owner of a $200,000 home would pay nearly $135 in additional taxes.

2. WHAT DOES VOTING YES MEAN?

The referendum asks voters to increase the tax rate by 0.2023. The current tax rate would increase from 0.3877 to 0.59.

3. HOW OFTEN HAS NEW LENOX FIRE SOUGHT A TAX RATE INCREASE?

The last tax increase occurred in 1989.

4. How has New Lenox's population changed since then?

The fire protection area population has grown from about 16,575 to 42,170 residents. There are also a lot more industrial and commercial buildings that have opened and are being built now.

5. Calls for service. How's that changed over time?

Last year, New Lenox Fire handled 4,252 calls. Back in 1990, the district had 890 calls.

6. Where does the New Lenox Fire district gets its revenue stream?

It relies on property tax disbursements that come in twice every year. Fire does not receive any tax money from the village of New Lenox. Other funds may come from ambulance billings, grants, donations and the New Lenox Fire Protection District's Foundation.

7. If this referendum passes on March 20, what will that mean?

Fire station manpower at the existing stations will remain in place. The district would also have funds to replace outdated equipment. New Lenox would like to purchase three fire engines, one tender and two ambulances over the next five years. (A tender is also known as a tanker truck.)

8. If approved, how will New Lenox's new fire taxes compare to other Lincoln-Way communities?

Even with the tax rate hike to 0.59, New Lenox remains lower than its immediate neighbors. Frankfort is at 0.80, Homer is at 1.07, Manhattan is at 0.98 and Mokena is at 1.001.

9. How many fire stations are in New Lenox's district?

There are 4. Station 1 was built in 2003 at 261 East Maple Street. Station 2 back in 1970 at 1205 North Cedar Road. Station 3 in 1986 at 930 Country Creek Drive (at the corner of Nelson Road) and Station 4 in 1996 at 19819 Schoolhouse Road. The fire protection district spans 36 square miles of land.

10. So what happens if the referendum measure gets rejected by the voters?

Fire representatives say they will be forced to "make major cuts in personnel, facilities and equipment which will adversely affect response time and therefore our 'save rate.'" At this point, however, the fire district has not revealed any specifics about possible cuts. New Lenox fire currently employs 59 people on its payroll; 56 of them are full-time employees. On a 24-7 basis, New Lenox staffs its four fire stations with a minimum of four people, plus one on-duty fire battalion chief.

All images via New Lenox Fire Protection District except image of Ace Hardware fire, which was via Northern Illinois Fireground Photos