On Wednesday, the Bourbonnais Fire Department took to Social Media in an effort to raise awareness about the upcoming referendum question on this year’s ballot.
The last time the Fire Department saw a levy was 1975!
According to Census.gov, Bourbonnais currently has 19,526 residents. In the 9.5 miles that occupies the Village, that’s like having a person every two-and-a-half feet!
That’s few and far between what most geographers define as a village, normally consisting between 500 and 2,500 people in most parts of the world.
You can read the full letter and via text below:
On Tuesday, March 17th, residents in the Bourbonnais Fire Protection District (BFPD) will be presented with a referendum question on their ballot. The question on the ballot asks to increase our current levy from .445 to .85. Regretfully, there was an error in the phrasing and was represented as increase tax levy by .85, not to .85 which was the motion approved by the Board of Trustees. The Board is firmly committed to retaining the tax levy at 0.85 and will not entertain a notion of any other increase in the referendum question.
For those unfamiliar with the tax levy history of the Bourbonnais Fire Protection District, the last time the District went for a levy was 1975 – yes, 1975. The District has been faithful, conservative and frugal with the use of District funds, but it has come to a point where expenses will exceed revenues by over $400,000 this upcoming year. As BFPD Treasurer, I can confirm this is not sustainable.
Between the growth of our community since the mid 1970’s, increased operational costs, equipment and personnel needs, it is imperative we have the necessary funds for our Fire District and the fine men and women who serve our community with incredible competence and compassion.
The referendum is a four-year referendum, and again, our commitment remains not to enact the full levy as stated in the referendum. Our commitment is to the residents of BFPD.
Thank you for your continued support of the Bourbonnais Fire Protection District.
William Hemm
Treasurer/Trustee
Bourbonnais, Illinois
