Learn facts about fire district decision
The Daily Herald recently expressed concerns over the Fox River & Countryside Fire/Rescue District’s decision to create a new fire department. The trustees of the district appreciate these concerns and are mindful of our mission.
It is important to note the facts behind this decision. If the district continues to simply pay whatever amount is requested by the city of St. Charles to provide emergency services, we will be bankrupt in a few short years — a result that would be disastrous for all concerned.
The St. Charles Fire Department has increased its spending in excess of the rate of inflation and local growth. These increases are the result of decisions made with no input from the district, yet we are expected to simply continue to pay a percentage of the skyrocketing costs.
Our first choice in this situation was to work with St. Charles to make our relationship financially sustainable. But our attempts at finding compromise were met with intransigence by the city.
We could not just keep spending taxpayer dollars at an increasing rate. We had to seek alternatives. Our decision is the result lengthy discussion and study. We have held numerous public meetings so residents can learn about our ideas. We are putting together a fully-equipped, professional, state-certified department committed to serving the people’s needs using the resources we have available and are confident we will succeed.
We remain willing discuss alternatives with St. Charles and any other agency. But those discussions must take into account the input and needs of the district and its residents, not be a “take it or leave it” proposition. In the meantime, it is not helpful that the leaders of St. Charles criticize and try to derail our plans. Their time would be better spent tending to their financial situation instead of casting blame at others for their problems.
Robert Handley, treasurer
John Gamboa, secretary
Chuck Dunham, trustee
Terry Jeglum, trustee
Fox River & Countryside Fire/Rescue District