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Palatine Rural FPD wants tax hike
The *Daily Herald* recently published an article detailing a proposed tax increase by the Palatine Rural Fire Protection District. The district is seeking a 0.05 percent tax hike, which will be voted on March 18, due to declining local property values. Chief Hank Clemmensen explained that the fire department is facing a severe financial crisis, with a $300,000 loss in tax revenue compared to the previous year. This drop brought in only $3.33 million in total taxes, marking a 9% decrease.
Clemmensen emphasized that nearly all of the district’s income comes from property taxes. He noted that the assessed valuation of the district dropped by 8.1%, from $445 million in 2011 to $409 million in 2012. If property values remain around $400 million, the tax increase would generate an additional $200,000 annually, which is crucial for keeping the department operational.
If the proposal fails, the chief warned that staffing levels may need to be reduced, potentially leaving fewer firefighters available for emergency calls. Currently, five firefighters are on duty at all times—three to operate the fire engine and two to drive either the ambulance or the 3,000-gallon water tender, depending on the situation.
Clemmensen also highlighted the department’s strict safety policy: if two firefighters enter a burning building, two must remain outside as backup. If the tax hike doesn’t pass, those who leave won’t be replaced, and the number of on-duty firefighters could drop to four.
“In the past, when fire departments lost money, it was because people left the community, so calls for service decreased,†Clemmensen said. “But my calls have actually increased.†The district serves approximately 17,000 residents across 17 square miles, including two-thirds of Inverness and most of the unincorporated areas of Palatine Township.
For homeowners with a $100,000 assessed property value, the tax increase would result in an extra $50 per year for the fire district. Additionally, the district’s 19 firefighters are set to receive 2% salary increases in 2013 and 2014, with labor contract negotiations beginning this fall.
This isn’t the first time the district has asked for more funding—voters approved a 0.1% tax increase in 2005. However, Clemmensen stressed that the current request is necessary due to the growing financial strain. Without the increase, the department may struggle to keep up with rising demands and maintain its level of service.