The Newport Township Fire Protection District is once again pushing for a tax increase to modernize its aging equipment. A referendum on the March 15 ballot will ask voters to approve an additional 0.132 cents per $100 of a home's assessed value—same as the proposal that failed last year with only 44% of the vote. If passed, residents with a $100,000 home would pay about $43.75 annually to the fire district, according to Fire Chief Mark Kirchhoffer.

Tax rates for the fire district have not increased in over two decades, and the chief says the funding is essential to replace outdated gear. He noted that property values in the township have dropped significantly—from $268.8 million in 2009 to $188.8 million in 2015—leading to a loss of around $80 million in taxable value. This has left the fire district with just $1.25 million in annual revenue, while its budget stands at $1.9 million.

"Our tax rate would be fine if we had something to tax," Kirchhoffer said. "People don’t want taxes to go up, and I understand that. But I live here, and I want an ambulance at my door if I need it. You can’t do it much cheaper than we’re doing it, and people deserve good fire protection. We're trying to be smart and efficient."

If approved, the new funds would be used to replace old equipment. According to National Fire Protection Association standards, fire apparatus should be replaced every 25 years. The district’s engines were purchased in 1989, 1995, and 2000, and a tanker was added in 2000. New gear is needed for all firefighters, and the department plans to replace two old heart monitors and one ambulance.

The fire district covers 33 square miles, serving 2,300 structures across portions of Beach Park, Old Mill Creek, Wadsworth, and unincorporated Lake County. It has 38 volunteers and operates in an area where 40% is residential, 35% is farmland, and 25% is owned by the Forest Preserve. Only a small portion is commercial or industrial.

Notably, 95% of the coverage area lacks public water infrastructure. Because of this, the fire district requires more tankers than other departments. Kirchhoffer also mentioned that the department responds to crashes on Interstate 94, but the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority does not reimburse for these calls.

The district earns some income through ambulance fees, but recent changes in healthcare laws and insurance coverage have reduced reimbursements. Despite this, the fire department continues to provide the same level of emergency service.

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