Opinion

Fox River's math doesn't add up

Posted October 30, 2014 12:01 am

Because of the Nov. 4 referendum, the recently formed Fox River & Countryside Fire/Rescue District has been spending a lot of time defending their fire district in the press. In one of their letters, they stated that "Change tends to bring out strong emotion." They are correct; change can be quite emotional, especially when that change affects your tax dollars.

Kane County Board member Drew Frasz noted, "Hostile takeovers of areas that have been well-served by fiscally responsible agencies is not something I support." We couldn't agree more.

Fox River needs to acquire more rooftops to pay off its $4.4 million debt to continue to operate. This disconnection is about money, not public safety. If this were about public safety, as Fox River claims, they wouldn't have repeatedly tried to stop the Elburn & Countryside Fire Protection District from opening a station in Lily Lake. If this were about public safety, they wouldn't have repeatedly tried to stop the villages of Elburn and Lily Lake from opposing and speaking out against the disconnection and supporting the Elburn & Countryside Fire Protection District that has served and protected their citizens for over 132 years.

Are you willing to take on Fox River's $4.4 million in debt? If you choose to disconnect from Elburn Fire, this is exactly what the referendum covers, you are, taking on their debt. Eventually you and your hard earned tax dollars will be called upon to retire that $4.4 million in debt, as well as pay for all the extra equipment and personnel they will need to serve you and your family.

Elburn & Countryside Fire Protection District has no debt, no hidden costs, and no new taxes. Fox River's math just doesn't add up.

Kelly P. Callaghan

Elburn

Fire Chief, Elburn & Countryside Fire Protection District

Article Comments

Article Categories
Communities Elburn Letters to the Editor Opinion

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.