Don't bolt from Elburn fire district

Don't bolt from Elburn fire district

I am writing this letter to ask for your support to vote against the referendum to disconnect from the Elburn & Countryside Fire Protection District.

We have a dedicated, highly trained fire department that has been servicing our area for 133 years. Our personnel and the board of trustees have worked hard to make sure we have the best equipment available to service our residents. As of Oct. 1, we have three stations and are building a new Station No. 1 to better serve our district.

The most important thing is we have no debt. We don't buy or build anything unless we have the money in the bank. Fox River and Countryside Fire/Rescue District is well over $4 million in debt. You should not assume that you will continue to enjoy lower taxes for long by transferring to their fire district. In fact, by disconnecting from Elburn you are agreeing to take on your proportionate share of that debt, as stated in the question on the ballot.

The trustees and the chiefs work very hard to keep our tax rate level and are always working to get them down. With the equalized assessed valuation going down the last few years, this is very difficult but we will continue to work hard to remain fiscally responsible with the tax dollars our taxpayers have entrusted to us.

Thank you for supporting the Elburn & Countryside Fire Protection District over the years. We appreciate it very much and it is our hope that you will continue to do so in the future.

Thomas Reynolds

President Board of Trustees

Elburn & Countryside Fire Protection District