The Homer Township Fire Protection District union is working to get a referendum on the November ballot that would allow district residents to elect their fire trustees.
Homer Township Professional Firefighters President David Curtis said union members voted unanimously in favor of the referendum. They would like to see trustees run for office so the union and taxpayers can communicate directly with those seeking a seat on the board and the union can endorse candidates, he said.
“We don’t have a voice with the current trustees,” Curtis said, clarifying that the union must communicate to the board through the fire chief and would like to be able to work with trustees directly.
The role of the district’s Board of Trustees is to supervise the chief, hire administrators, manage administrative accountability and oversee finances and equipment purchasing, Curtis said. The fire trustees, who meet once a month, are appointed by the Homer Township Board of Trustees.
In order for the referendum to be placed on the Nov. 8 ballot, its proponents must get about 1,200 signatures – representing 10 percent of the district’s registered voters – supporting the change, Curtis said.
“So far, we haven’t met with any resistance,” he said, adding that many of the district’s neighboring fire agencies – including New Lenox, Lemont and Orland – have elected fire boards.