Voters in the Mount Hope-Funks Grove Fire Protection District approved two out of three ballot questions intended to raise additional revenue to improve emergency services in southwest McLean County.
There were three ballot questions on the Nov. 5 ticket: to support rescue service operations and equipment acquisition, to raise the district’s general tax levy and to raise the ambulance tax levy.
The levy for emergency and rescue won by the widest margin [415 yes to 307 no], the ambulance service levy also was approved [383 to 343], while the measure to increase the district’s maximum rate from .30% to .40% lost 437 to 291.
The two referenda approved will add about $100 to the property tax bill paid by the owner of a $150,000 home.
“Your unwavering support ensures that we can continue to provide vital ambulance coverage throughout our district and invest in much-needed equipment for our emergency responders,” fire chief Eric Fulk said on Facebook.
The fire district sought the revenue primarily to replace its 2001 fire engine and to cover added personnel costs tied to Illinois’ increase in the minimum wage to $15 per hour starting in January.
“We may have fallen short on the third referendum, but our resolve remains strong, and we will continue to strive for excellence in serving you,” Fulk said.
Fulk previously said the department would likely need more time to respond to emergencies without the additional tax revenue, possibly by ending its ambulance service, abandoning one of its fire engines or consolidating with another fire protection district.
The fire district had projected an additional $205,000 in annual tax revenues if all three questions were approved.
