The Kane County Chronicle recently published an article discussing a ballot referendum that could impact residents in the Elburn Fire Protection District. The vote, scheduled for November 4, will determine whether some areas of Elburn choose to leave their current fire district and join the Fox River and Countryside Fire/Rescue District instead.

This issue has sparked a political debate. The Elburn Village Board recently passed a resolution opposing the potential disconnection, while Fox River Fire Chief Greg Benson claims that some opponents are spreading false information about his district. He insists that the quality of service would remain high if the area were to switch.

The proposed disconnect area includes approximately 3,000 registered voters, covering a region bounded by LaFox Road to the east, Anderson Road to the west, Campton Hills Road to the south, and Silver Glen Road to the north. Elburn and Countryside Fire Protection District Chief Kelly Callaghan emphasized that his department has served the area for over a century and recently opened a new station in Lily Lake to improve coverage. “We’ve been around for 132 years—much longer than three,” he said.

Benson pointed out that a court ruling determined that residents would receive comparable fire and emergency services from the Fox River district. In fact, he argued, response times could even improve. Currently, calls from the disconnect area go through Kane Comm and then to Tri-Com before being dispatched, which can take up to four minutes. In contrast, calls handled directly by Kane Comm for Fox River take only two and a half minutes, he said.

Another key point is the difference in property tax rates. Elburn’s rate is about 0.79, while Fox River’s is 0.27. To highlight the potential savings, the Fox River district provided examples showing significant reductions. For instance, a home on Fox Creek Drive in Campton Hills paid $1,548.28 in taxes to Elburn but would pay only $524.44 to Fox River—saving more than $1,000. On the lower end, some residents might save around $350.

If the disconnect is approved, Callaghan said the Elburn district won’t know the exact financial impact until the levy is finalized. However, he assured residents that the department would do everything possible to avoid layoffs. “We still have 20,000 people in our district who need the same level of service,” he said.

Both districts charge EMS fees, which both chiefs say is standard practice. Rates vary depending on residency and ambulance type. Benson also addressed concerns about fire response fees, clarifying that while the district has a cost recovery policy, it only applies in specific cases like arsons or repeated false alarms. He stressed that this is not a regular fee but a measure used when necessary.

This referendum is shaping up to be a major decision for local residents, with implications on both service quality and financial burden. As the election approaches, the community is closely watching how this issue unfolds.

Thanks, Dan

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