Winfield fire district is running on its reserves

The Winfield Fire Protection District will again be asking voters for a tax-hike referendum to shore up the agency's finances.

The question, which will appear on the Feb. 5 ballot, asks voters for permission to lift the tax cap for each of the next four years to allow 12.5 percent tax increases. The tax cap limits increases to 5 percent or the rate of inflation, whichever is less.

This will be the fire district's fourth consecutive attempt to gain approval for the tax increase.

Winfield Deputy Fire Chief Bryan Lewis said his agency is using its reserves to cover a $212,000 budget shortfall this year, and he expects to see a similar deficit next year.

"We have a fire engine that's over 20 years old," he said. "We haven't replaced it because we need the money to fund our normal operating expenses. Our call volume has tripled since our last successful referendum in 1988. We can't keep going on that kind of budget."

The owner of a $300,000 home would see an increase of about $24 in the first year, fire officials estimate. By the fourth year, that same homeowner will be paying $293 more in taxes to the fire district.

The fire district is still trying to forcibly acquire the site for a new headquarters near County Farm Road and Parkway Drive.

Winfield Fire Protection District

What: Seeking permission to lift the tax cap to raise taxes 12.5 percent in the 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 levy years to help shore up the agency's finances.

Cost: About $24 in the first year for the owner of a $300,000 house. In the second year, that same homeowner will pay about $103 more in taxes. In the third year, fire district taxes go up to $193. By the fourth year, the homeowner will pay nearly $293 more in taxes.

If it passes: The fire district plans to hire three full-time employees trained as firefighters and paramedics and shore up the agency's finances.

If it loses: Fire officials said they will continue to pull from the fire district's reserve fund to meet budget shortfalls.

Details: (630) 653-5050 or www.winfieldfpd.org