From recent reports on DailyHerald.com:
In an effort to address the needs of its expanding community, the Fire Department in Pingree Grove is revisiting a plan to seek voter approval for borrowing $8.5 million to construct two brand-new fire stations. Officials argue these new facilities would be strategically located to cater to the growing population more effectively.
If approved, the referendum question appearing on the ballot on March 20 would result in an approximate increase of $90 in property taxes for a home valued at $300,000. This represents a reduction of $27 compared to the originally projected increase from last year. Fire Chief Mitch Crocetti explained that the growth within the district since the previous proposal was rejected by voters in April 2017 accounts for this decrease.
The Pingree Grove & Countryside Fire Protection District intends to finance the bonds over 20 years, with $2 million sourced from its general fund at an annual contribution of $100,000, and the remaining $6.5 million through the temporary property tax increase, which would cease after two decades.
Residents can attend informational meetings scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the Cambridge Lakes Community Center, located at 1125 Wester Blvd., Pingree Grove, and again on Thursday at Station 2, found at 10N980 Rippburger Road, Plato Center.
In 2017, the district, covering a 50-square-mile area and serving approximately 15,000 residents in Pingree Grove, the northern part of Campton Hills, and unincorporated regions, handled 1,096 emergency calls—a rise from 1,036 calls in 2016. Plans indicate further residential developments are anticipated in the Cambridge Lakes area.
Currently, the district operates three stations. However, Stations 2 and 4, situated on Rippburger Road and Plank Road respectively, are outdated structures that would likely be sold if the proposed new facilities come into existence. Station 2 remains unoccupied, while Station 4 houses trailers for firefighters. These locations were initially designed as callback stations and were never meant to accommodate full-time residency. Moreover, these stations are geographically misplaced and landlocked, making upgrades impractical.
The two new stations, complete with accommodations for resident firefighters, are slated to be constructed on plots of land to be acquired along Highland Avenue, just east of Coombs Road, and on Dittman Road, roughly half a mile south of Plato Road. The district has already set aside approximately $600,000 from its current $3.3 million budget to purchase the necessary land and hire architects for the project design.
As the community continues to expand, these new stations promise enhanced services and infrastructure, ensuring timely and effective emergency responses.
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