Voters backing Oakbrook Terrace Fire District loan request

Early unofficial totals show Oakbrook Terrace voters appear to be supporting a request from the Oakbrook Terrace Fire Protection District to borrow $2 million intended to shore up the district's budget.

With 43 percent of precincts reporting, about 68 percent of voters are supporting the measure to allow the district to take out a $2 million loan.

The district has been spending about 15 percent of its annual budget to repay loans taken to cover annual shortfalls.

The $2 million - to be repaid over 10 years with property taxes - would allow the district to consolidate and refinance its existing debt. District officials also intend to replace and repair outdated fire protection and paramedic equipment, make improvements to the fire station, and repair and maintain district vehicles.

The loan, which would cost the owner of a $250,000 house $40 annually for 10 years, may also allow the district to eliminate ambulance fees charged to residents.