Excerpts from shawlocal.com:

The Harvard Fire Protection District is seeking voter approval in the upcoming March 19 primary election to raise property taxes, citing the need for additional funds to purchase new equipment and hire more personnel. This would be the first tax increase attempt since the mid-1990s, when a similar proposal failed.

The proposed levy would add 0.17% to the current tax rate, translating to an extra 0.498360% of the equalized assessed value of taxable properties within the district. In simpler terms, this could generate around $545,000 annually for the fire department. For a home valued at $100,000, the increase would mean an extra $170 per year going toward fire services.

John, the part-time fire chief of Harvard, also serves with the Marengo Fire Protection District. Since taking over two years ago, he has had to make tough decisions, including reducing payroll. The department operates from one station on Eastman Street, staffed 24/7 with two or three firefighters. However, residents often see ambulances from neighboring districts like Woodstock or Marengo responding to emergencies due to staffing shortages.

Harvard isn’t alone in facing challenges with recruitment and retention. Like many small departments across the country, it struggles to attract and keep qualified firefighters. Larger departments offer better pay, and once firefighters are trained, they often move on. “We need at least one paramedic and two EMTs on duty at all times,” said Kimmel in a November interview with the Northwest Herald. “Smaller departments are often just a training ground for bigger ones.”

Equipment aging is another issue. The newest fire engine was purchased used from the Algonquin Fire Department. The department currently has two ambulances, with a third on order. While the new ambulance will have a fresh chassis, the patient care section will be reused from an older unit.

A local volunteer group has launched a website, harvardilyes.wordpress.com, and a Facebook page, facebook.com/SupportersOfHFPD, to provide more details about the referendum and encourage community support.

Thanks, Rob

Plastic Hollow Floatation Ball

Plastic Hollow Floatation Ball,Plastic Hollow Float,Floating Filter Balls,Pp Hollow Ball

Wuxi Qijing Machinery Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.sinombbrmedia.com