The Newport Township Fire Protection District is once again pushing for a tax increase to modernize its aging equipment and ensure continued emergency services. A referendum will be on the ballot on March 15, asking voters to approve an additional 0.132 cents per $100 of a home’s assessed market value — the same 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.

Chief Kirchhoffer explained that taxes haven’t increased in over two decades, but the need for new equipment has never been greater. He noted that property values in the township have dropped significantly since 2009, falling from $268,807,724 to $188,752,091 in 2015 — a loss of nearly $80 million. This decline has led to a shortfall in revenue, with the fire district now operating on a $1.25 million income against a $1.9 million budget.

“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 too, and I want an ambulance at my door if I need it. You can’t do this much cheaper than we’re doing it, and people deserve good fire protection. We’re trying to be smart and efficient.”

If approved, the additional funds would go toward replacing outdated equipment. According to National Fire Protection Association standards, fire apparatus should be replaced every 25 years. The district currently operates engines purchased in 1989, 1995, and 2000, as well as a tanker from 2000. All firefighters need new gear, and the department plans to replace two old heart monitors and one ambulance.

The fire district serves a population of 38 volunteers across 2,300 structures spread over 33 square miles, covering parts of Beach Park, Old Mill Creek, Wadsworth, and unincorporated Lake County. About 40% of the area is residential, 35% is farmland, and 25% is owned by the Forest Preserve. A small portion is commercial or industrial.

Importantly, 95% of the coverage area lacks public water infrastructure, which means the fire district must rely heavily on tankers instead of fire hydrants. “People don’t realize how different our needs are compared to other departments,” Kirchhoffer said. “We need more tankers because there are no water mains.”

In addition to local emergencies, the district also responds to crashes on Interstate 94, though the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority does not provide reimbursement for these calls. While the fire department earns some revenue from ambulance services, changes in healthcare policies have reduced insurance reimbursements, even as service levels remain unchanged.

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