Fox Lake approving move to fire district, rejecting sales tax

Fox Lake voters appeared to approve one of two ballot questions in Tuesday's primary election, unofficial vote totals show.

Voters were rejecting a proposal for a 1 percentage point sales tax increase to 8 percent, but favoring leaving the Fox Lake Fire Department and joining the Fox Lake Fire Protection District.

With nearly all precincts reporting, the unofficial results show the sales tax measure was being dumped by a 1,488 to 669 vote. With most precincts reporting, the fire district question was passing with 1,252 in favor and 875 against. Early voting and vote by mail ballots were still being tabulated this morning.

The switch to the fire district would allow it to tax residents directly rather than having fire service money collected by village of Fox Lake government, which negotiates contracts with the fire district. An owner of a $200,000 home will pay an extra $138 in property tax annually, officials have said.

Fox Lake officials said a higher sales tax would help pay for three new police officers.