The Bloomington Township Fire Protection District now has authority to raise its tax rate to cover rising expenses.
Voters in Bloomington Township approved a referendum Tuesday that enables the fire and ambulance service to raise its tax rate from 30 cents per $100 equalized assessed valuation (EAV) to 40 cents per $100 EAV.
The referendum secured close to 75% "yes" votes. Results are unofficial until are mail-in and absentee ballots are counted on April 18.
The township cites higher equipment costs and the need to remain competitive with other fire departments in recruiting emergency medical personnel, along with Illinois’ annual increases in the minimum wage to $15 in 2025.
Township officials have said they don't plan to add the higher tax right away.
“We’re not in a position to be going out and replacing all this stuff right now just because we got an increase in our taxes,” said township fire chief Tom Willan. “This is a conservative board. They are going to spend your money wisely.”
Willan added the department's part-time EMTs who are at basic training level and paid minimum wage may get raises sooner before the state's next minimum wage increases.
“We’re experiencing a shortage now and with the increase we can hopefully increase our per-hour salary to $15 per hour now,” Willan said.
The Illinois minimum wage will increase $1 in 2024 and 2025 to get to $15.
Bloomington Township last increased its tax limit in 2007 when it helped maintain ambulance services to Bloomington-Normal hospitals by taking over for Lifeline Mobile Medic Service.
The Bloomington Fire Protection District serves areas south and west of Bloomington city limits.
