Friday 5.4

We’re back with another #Friday5!!

As previously explained, #Friday5’s is where we answer questions from people in the district to give everyone the best information possible about the upcoming referendum. No question is off limits, and the answers can be fact-checked by anyone looking for the truth.

The Bourbonnais Fire Protection District board remains wholly committed to getting the truth out there and being honest about rumors that may manifest regarding this tax rate proposal. Therefore, if you ask a question or make a statement on social media, email, or board meetings, we will answer the questions IN WRITING so you can freely hold us to our word.

Remember, these are YOUR questions, statements, and other communication we have collected via email, read on social media, or found on websites regarding the Nov. 5 referendum. We will pull these questions and statements directly from wherever we find them and write answers for everyone to read.

Now, without further hype – welcome to our third edition of #Friday5:

Q: sounds like someone is stealing our money again.. I mean using our money in the wrong places for their gains. But yeah go out and vote! It doesn’t matter anyways. Government is rigged!! Ask how much the new park cost and how much money has been given through the state… then you will find out how much they screwed the fire department for.

A: I think it's time we call for an end to these questions/statements because, as we have repeatedly stated in the last three Friday5’s, we’ve answered this question.

Quickly stated: The BFPD is a separate taxing body from the Village of Bourbonnais or the State of Illinois. This park issue is a village issue, not ours. We do not/will not/cannot tell the village what to do with their money.

So, we will not be discussing any park issues. If there is a park question, we will skip it. If you’d like, please see our last three Friday5s where this same park question has been asked and answered. And, if you need information about this park, go here.

Q: Give Economic Alliance money. To fire Department They do nothing for Bourbonnais

A: We think you are referring to the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County – a 501c3 public/private partnership operating in the county designed to spur economic interests. If so, I would point out that the Alliance is a county-controlled initiative that has absolutely nothing to do with the Bourbonnais Fire Protection District. In addition, I would point out that the role of this alliance is to create jobs in Kankakee County, not give money to fire protection districts. If you have any questions or concerns about the Economic Alliance, we will ask you to contact them directly or visit their website here.

Q: They need to say what it would cost on a 4-600 thousand house ! If it’s about 127 on 200 k times it times 2 or 3 now your talking 3-400 more.. and he added: I’m for paying more but show more accurate numbers.

A: OK – we can easily break the numbers down further to help everyone understand. As we have explained previously, the increase to the property tax rate for the Bourbonnais Fire Protection District would be about $127 annually for every $200,000 of home value should the referendum pass. This amount breaks down to about $63 annually for every $100,000 home value, then it’s about $31.50 per every $50,000 home value. So, doing the math, the annual increase to the Bourbonnais Fire Protection District would be:
- $63 increase for a $100,000 home
- $94.50 for a home worth $150,000
- $127 increase for a $200,000 home
- $158.50 increase for a $250,000 home
- $190.50 for a $300,000 home
- $222 for a $350,000 home
- $254 for a $400,000 home
- $285.5 for a $450,000 home
- $317.50 for a $500,000 home
- $349 for a $550,000 home
- $381 for a $600,000 home

Remember, this is an INCREASE in your annual taxes should it be approved. So, if you own a $100,000 home and pay $100 now, you will pay $163 annually to the BFPD starting in 2025.

Q: If the referendum is approved, what will the money be used for?

A: The money received by the Bourbonnais Fire Protection District would go directly to hire and retain qualified paramedics using competitive salaries at the BFPD. The heart of the issue is we are losing the war against attrition as trained paramedics in Bourbonnais are leaving for more money at other departments capable of providing higher salaries and better benefits. This leaves us extremely short-staffed of these fully trained professionals required to keep you safe.

Understand, the primary role of the BFPD is not putting out fires, our job is to treat/transport patients suffering from a medical emergency to the hospital where they can receive care at any time, day or night, 365 days a year. In that regard, we had 4,449 incidents in 2022 and 4,433 in 2023. We have already had 2,110 in 2024. That averages about a dozen calls a day, every day of the year.

Our mission is to provide the best care for every person requiring medical assistance, but the cost of keeping people alive is not cheap and requires highly trained specialists. We cannot keep up with our mission at the current tax rate we receive from the property taxes we collect. So, that’s why we are asking for a tax rate increase: we need it to provide the public with the emergency medical care they deserve.

Q: When is the election?

A: Election day is officially November 5, 2024. However, early voting starts Sept. 26, 2024. Make sure you are registered to vote!!