Wauconda board to discuss fire proposal on ballot

Wauconda officials will meet Tuesday to discuss a citizen-driven proposal for the village to join the Wauconda Fire Protection District.

The village isn't part of the district now. Rather, it contracts with that separate governmental agency for fire-protection services.

A resident-driven question will appear on Nov. 2 ballots in Wauconda that will allow the community to choose whether to join the district, Village Administrator Dan Quick said. The binding referendum was approved by the courts, Quick said.

If the village joins the fire protection district, fire-safety services will receive a separate line on property-tax bills, Quick said. The tax bill for the owner of a $200,000 home, will increase by about $269 the first year, Quick said.

To offset that tax boost, village officials have proposed cutting in half the local utility tax, which helps pay for fire services. That would save the typical family about $110 a year, Quick said.

The village board will discuss the issue Tuesday when it meets as a committee of the whole. The meeting is set for 7 p.m. at village hall, 101 N. Main St.