Police, fire stations a tall order for taxpayers

Building new fire stations and a new police station would cost Des Plaines taxpayers at least $88 million, officials said Monday.

Des Plaines finance officials at a special meeting unveiled a potential plan to issue bonds to pay for the massive projects. The debt, which would be repaid through 2034, would likely include tax increases.

Aldermen plan to make a decision Nov. 13 on whether to proceed with plans to add at least one new fire station and rebuild the oldest of the department's three existing fire stations. That plan carries at least a $14 million price tag.

Officials during the budget talks on Nov. 13 also plan to make a decision regarding a plan to replace the city's 33-year-old police headquarters, which would cost at least $33 million. Police Chief James Prandini showed photos of crime evidence that must be stored in the department's garage to illustrate the need for a new facility that would triple its current space.

With interest over the next 30 years, the projects would cost at least $88 million, Des Plaines Finance Director Bob Simpson said.

The city commissioned a study a few years ago that returned a recommendation to add up to two new fire stations to improve response times, and combat chronic delays due to the city's more than 30 street-level train crossings. Building a new fire station was a controversial issue, so officials decided to seek a scientific study.

Deputy Fire Chief Art Zern said the train delays pose an "obstacle" to service.

By adding a new station on the city's north side on Central Road, the fire department would be able to reach emergencies within the national benchmark of six minutes at least 83 percent of the time. Des Plaines currently meets that benchmark 70 percent of the time, according to the study.

While aldermen agreed that new public safety buildings are needed, some suggested scaling back plans.

"I find this to be very aggressive," 3rd Ward Alderman Laura Murphy said of the police plan. "I think some paring down can be done."

Other aldermen want to avoid delaying these projects any longer, saying construction costs will only increase.

"We know the three-station scenario does not work," 4th Ward Alderman Jean Higgason said of the fire plan.

Jim Brookman, a retired Des Plaines fire captain who's married to an alderman, suggested relying more on neighboring suburban fire departments to help improve response times.

Zern said while it would make sense to have a regional emergency service for the suburban area, that won't happen anytime soon. Other suburbs, including Rosemont, have turned down requests to be on call for Des Plaines fire calls. They do pitch in on major fires as part of a mutual aid agreement.