Winfield Fire Protection voters reject tax request

Winfield Fire Protection District voters have rejected a property tax increase that would have allowed the district to offset rising costs.

With all 28 precincts reporting, 2,443 voters opposed the tax-hike request Tuesday while 1,732 supported it, unofficial vote totals show.

Officials sought the proposal to generate roughly $2.2 million a year in additional revenue for the district that includes nearly all of Winfield, as well as unincorporated sections near West Chicago, Wheaton, Carol Stream and Warrenville.

The district responds to more than 2,000 calls a year - an increase of more than 33% since 2009. To control costs, the district has reduced staffing to minimum levels, reduced its fleet of vehicles and deferred major repairs and replacement of vehicles, facilities and equipment for its firefighter-paramedics.

Officials have said the increased call volume is threatening the district's ability to maintain its current level of service.