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Antioch ballot initiative to fund EMS
The *Daily Herald* recently published an article detailing a critical referendum taking place in Antioch, focusing on the future of emergency medical services (EMS) in the area. Fire officials have been vocal since May about the urgent need for a new funding model to support ambulance and rescue services, which are currently being sustained through dwindling cash reserves.
Antioch Fire Chief John Nixon explained that both the Antioch Fire Department and the First Fire Protection District of Antioch are facing financial strain under the current system. With over 27,000 residents relying on these services, Nixon emphasized that without a sustainable funding source, the department would be forced to either find alternative ways to fund EMS or reduce response capabilities. The department handles approximately 2,000 rescue calls annually across its three stations.
To address this issue, voters in the Antioch area will soon decide on two separate referendum questions on the November 4 ballot—one for village residents and one for those in Antioch Township. The proposed measure aims to establish a new property tax rate of 25 cents per $100 of equalized assessed value, specifically to fund ambulance and emergency medical services. For a home valued at $100,000, this would equate to roughly $83 in additional taxes during the first year.
If approved, the new tax is expected to generate around $1.5 million in the first year. This revenue would primarily go toward staffing and equipment maintenance, with some funds reserved for capital replacements. However, the situation didn’t arise out of nowhere—this need became clear in May when the Antioch Rescue Squad, which had served the township for 75 years, was not offered a new contract. The volunteer squad had operated without a dedicated tax and relied heavily on donations.
In response, fire district officials consolidated all rescue and ambulance calls under the unified command of the Antioch Fire Department. Since then, two-thirds of the fire district’s cash reserves have been used to cover the costs of EMS operations, which now cost about $35,000 per month.
Fire Chief Nixon noted that if the referendums pass, the changes would be relatively minor. But if either the village or the township rejects the measures, more drastic adjustments would be necessary. Village Trustee Dennis Crosby warned that a rejection by village voters could force cuts to other essential services to fund EMS, potentially draining the village’s general fund.
At the township level, failure to approve the tax could lead to reduced ambulance and rescue services. Antioch Township Supervisor Steve Smouse stated clearly: “You can’t run an ambulance service without money.†If the measure fails, the department may have to operate with fewer paramedics, leading to longer wait times and possibly hiring more expensive private ambulance companies.
Chief Nixon added that even if the department continues to send paramedics to all calls, patients might be transported via private ambulances, with the associated costs passed on to users. While the goal remains to maintain high-quality emergency care, the financial reality is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain without public support.