Voters allow Lake Zurich to borrow funds for new fire station

Lake Zurich voters decisively approved a measure Tuesday to fund the building and equipping of a new fire station in town, which village officials have been seeking for several years.

Unofficial estimated totals showed just over 60% in favor and about 40% against issuing $20.3 million in bonds for the project to replace Station 1 at 321 S. Buesching Road in a new location.

The county clerk’s office reported technical difficulties which delayed vote posting. By 11 p.m., Election Day and early voting ballots had been added and only vote-by-mail ballots were listed as being partially included.

Still, the percentage of voters in favor of funding a new fire station held firm when a third batch was released. The owner of a home valued at $400,000 will pay about $184 more in property taxes each year.

Voter approval is required to issue general obligation bonds to finance construction because the village does not have home-rule authority.

Since 1980, the village’s fire department has occupied that Buesching Road station, which initially was a volunteer operation that evolved with the town’s growth into a full-time department.

The department made upgrades and maximized space along the way but the building no longer meets modern emergency service needs and has reached the end of its useful life, officials contended.

A lack of adequate space for equipment storage and training, to have the fire prevention bureau in a separate location, and not allowing for decontamination zones or isolated living quarters were among the current station’s deficiencies, according to the department.

The village commissioned a site selection study that identified property at the northwest corner of Route 22 and Old Rand Road as a desirable location for a new station. It bought the property last fall for $2.1 million.

Residents were sent a series of FAQ mailings detailing the condition of the existing station and the need for a replacement and two open houses with tours were held at Station 1.

Village officials said residents had a good understanding that the station was designed for a volunteer department and sits on a parcel that does not offer an option to expand.

A new facility will improve the work environment, safety, training and ability to deliver service and help with recruitment and retention, fire officials have said.

mzawislak@dailyherald.com