The Daily Herald has published an article discussing a referendum in Antioch that could significantly impact emergency services in the area. Since May, local fire officials have been vocal about the need for a new funding model to support ambulance and rescue services. According to Antioch Fire Chief John Nixon, the current system is unsustainable, as the fire department and the First Fire Protection District are depleting their cash reserves to cover these essential services for the community’s 27,000 residents. Nixon explained that the proposed solution is to introduce a new property tax rate specifically for emergency medical services (EMS), similar to the one used for fire services. This would ensure a stable revenue stream to maintain the level of care residents rely on. “Without a dedicated funding source for EMS, we may have to reduce our response capabilities or find alternative ways to finance it,†Nixon warned. The department handles around 2,000 rescue calls annually across its three stations. On November 4, voters in both the village of Antioch and Antioch Township will be asked to approve a new property tax rate of 25 cents per $100 of equalized assessed value. For a home valued at $100,000, this would result in approximately $83 in additional taxes in the first year. If approved, the new tax is expected to generate around $1.5 million annually. Most of the funds would go toward staffing and equipment maintenance, with a portion allocated for future capital needs. The issue came to light in May after the long-standing Antioch Rescue Squad, which had served the township for 75 years, was not offered a contract to continue operating. The volunteer group relied heavily on donations, but this model proved inadequate as costs rose. As a result, fire officials decided to integrate all rescue and ambulance services under the Antioch Fire Department. However, this move has placed a financial strain on the fire district, with two-thirds of its cash reserves already used to cover EMS costs. Monthly expenses for these operations now exceed $35,000. Fire Chief Nixon noted that if the referendums pass, only minor changes might be seen in the short term. But if either measure fails, more drastic cuts could be necessary. Antioch Trustee Dennis Crosby said that if the village rejects the proposal, the village would have to divert funds from other services to cover EMS costs. “We’ll have to decide what’s most important—keeping residents safe or maintaining other programs,†he added. Meanwhile, if the township voters reject the measure, officials warn that ambulance and rescue services could be reduced or even suspended. Antioch Township Supervisor Steve Smouse emphasized that without funding, the service cannot operate effectively. “If it doesn’t pass, they’ll just have to do it cheaper,†he said. Nixon also warned that township residents could face longer wait times for ambulances and fewer paramedics on duty. In some cases, the fire district might need to hire private ambulance companies, which would increase costs for users. “We’d still send paramedics to every call, but patients might have to use a private ambulance for transport,†he explained. “That cost would fall on the individual.†Super fine grinder consists of pulverizing system, prticle grading system, cyclone separating system, dust collecting system and electric control box. Ultra Fine Grinder,Super Fine Grinder,Ultra Fine Mill,Super Fine Mill Changzhou Lead Machinery Technology Co.,Ltd , https://www.leaddryer.com
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