Excerpts from freepressnewspapers.com: A large crowd filled the gymnasium at the school in Custer Park on Monday, July 17, as nearly 200 residents from Braidwood and Custer Township gathered with fire district officials to discuss a potential agreement that would transfer fire protection services in Custer to Braidwood. Amid the meeting, a medical emergency occurred in the parking lot, prompting a quick response from Custer’s EMTs and paramedics. However, the situation still required Braidwood Fire Protection District (BFPD) to provide transport, underscoring the urgency of the discussion. The Custer Fire Protection District (CFPD) and the Braidwood Fire Protection District (BFPD) are currently negotiating an intergovernmental agreement (IGA). Although the agreement is still in draft form, it would see all tax revenue collected by CFPD transferred entirely to Braidwood. In return, CFPD would sell off any assets that Braidwood doesn’t need, liquidate them, and send the proceeds to Braidwood. During the three-hour meeting, both supporters and opponents of the IGA shared their views passionately. Trustees like Bob Hussey highlighted the accomplishments of CFPD since its reopening in 2019, including equipment upgrades, maintenance projects, and the acquisition of new apparatus. He emphasized the dedication of the department’s firefighters, EMTs, and leadership. However, some residents are frustrated by the fact that Custer Township, including the fire district, is set to receive additional tax revenue due to upcoming solar farm and water district developments. While some believe this money should stay within Custer, others argue that current funds are insufficient for staffing, maintaining ambulance services, and keeping taxes low. CFPD President Ron Pruss stated that without a fully operational ambulance, the district would have to rely on neighboring districts for assistance. Currently, Custer has an ambulance, partially funded by donations through the Friends of Custer Fire organization, but it has not yet received state approval for transport. The application is still pending with the Illinois Department of Public Health, with a decision expected by August 5. Until then, CFPD operates under a non-transport license, which allows them to provide emergency care until an ambulance from another district arrives. While they have enough staff to cover basic needs, they cannot fully respond to all calls. Due to strict taxing limits, CFPD cannot raise enough revenue to hire more staff. Even increasing taxes wouldn’t guarantee better coverage. BFPD has offered to integrate Custer’s employees into their system, but EMTs and paramedics who aren’t also firefighters would need to obtain firefighter certifications. Some residents expressed frustration over having supported the department’s reopening in 2018 with a tax increase, only to see it fall under Braidwood’s jurisdiction again. Others, however, feel that Custer is not yet fully operational and prefer the security of an IGA, especially if it ensures Braidwood takes full responsibility for the township. Many community members also voiced frustration over the lack of public access to the IGA draft. Transparency remains a key concern for those involved in the decision-making process. Custer Park’s fire department ceased operations in 2013 when the private Custer Fire Department, Inc., collapsed. After the closure, Custer relied on Braidwood for services, but in 2018, voters approved a referendum to reopen the fire protection district in May 2019. Initially, Custer had an agreement with Riverside EMS for ambulance and paramedic services, but that contract expired last fall. According to the draft IGA, Braidwood would retain Custer’s ambulance. The agreement is set to last five years, after which it will be reevaluated, potentially leading to a merger. A merger could save taxpayers money by eliminating duplicate costs such as dispatch and insurance, though it would require voter approval via a referendum. Thanks, Dennis Ningbo Hengnuo Hydraulic Drive Co.,Ltd , https://www.hnhydraulic.com