Officials from the Fox River and Countryside Fire Protection District are hopeful that voters will approve a tax increase referendum in the April 4 consolidated election.
The district is seeking an increase to nearly 53 cents up from 27 cents per $100 of equalized assessed value. The new rate would boost its levy to nearly $5 million, officials said.
The money will help replace its aging fleet and equipment, provide for adequate staffing and reduce its debt.
Based on feedback, fire board President Bob Handley said things are looking brighter for the referendum to pass, as opposed to a similar request in 2015, which voters rejected.
“Who knows – it’s a tax referendum,” Handley said. “We seem to be getting a lot of positive feedback from everybody. But you never know until election day.”