York Center hoping to borrow money for equipment, building renovation
The York Center Fire Protection District is seeking voter approval to borrow $3 million to renovate its fire station, replace aging vehicles and purchase new equipment.
"This would get us back to where we need to be," Chief Andy Bonomo said of the proposal, which district voters will consider on Tuesday, Nov. 6.
The district, which has been providing fire protection and emergency response since 1948, includes half of Oakbrook Terrace, as well as unincorporated areas near Oak Brook, Lombard and Villa Park. It serves a roughly 3-square-mile area and has one fire station at 1517 S. Meyers Road in Lombard.
During the March primary, voters rejected a proposal that would have permanently increased the district's property tax rate. Fire officials say there's still a need for the district to properly equip its fire station and personnel.
Bonomo said one of his biggest concerns is the age of two emergency vehicles.
The district's heavy rescue squad is 13 years old and would cost an estimated $700,000 to replace. Meanwhile, it's estimated to cost $235,000 to replace an ambulance the district has owned since 2009.
In addition, the fire station is in need of a facelift.
Originally build in 1976, Bonomo said there have been two additions - one in 1996 and the other in 2005.
If the referendum is approved, the district would have enough money to replace the original roof and the roof for the 1996 addition. It also could replace a rooftop HVAC unit.
Other desired improvements to the building include replacing ceiling tiles, sealing the apparatus floor, replacing windows in the maintenance bay and remodeling the main bathroom.
"It like anybody else's home," Bonomo said. "It gets old and needs to be updated."
The district also needs an estimated $200,000 to buy new air packs and an estimated $150,000 to replace bunker coats, pants and helmets.
Bonomo said attempts to get grant money for the air packs have been unsuccessful.
If the referendum question is approved, the district would repay the $3 million loan over 10 years.
Meanwhile, the owner of a $250,000 home would pay an additional $104 in property taxes to district. Bonomo said the owner of a $243,000 home currently pays roughly $600 in property taxes to the district.
Bonomo stressed that none of the borrowed money would be spent on personnel, hiring, salaries or pension costs.
"The money that we're asking for can only be spent on specific items - equipment and building renovations," he said. "And at the end of 10 years, this expense will be gone."