(DECEMBER 19,2017) – The New Lenox Fire Protection District (NLFPD) has requested a referendum be placed in an upcoming election asking for a tax increase allowing the NLFPD to provide upgraded services to the residents of New Lenox.

Since 1989, the NLFPD has not seen a tax increase. Over the past 30 years, the population has more than doubled from 16,574 in 1989 to an estimated 42,172 today. The amount of commercial and industrial buildings has grown exponentially as well.

Over the past three years, the NLFPD has seen an expansion in call volume. In the past ten years, the number of requests for service have gone from 2,649 to over 4,200. The NLFPD needs the increase in revenue to keep up with the ever-growing needs of the community.

The referendum will maintain manpower to existing stations, continuing the high-quality service the residents have come to expect. The referendum would also create enough funding to replace and update old equipment and employ full time firefighters/paramedics, creating less turn-over, thus providing better service to the district.

Currently the NLFPD tax rate is .3877 and it has been recommended to increase it to .59. This would be the equivalent of approximately an extra $135 per year or $11.24 per month for a $200k home.

For more information contact the New Lenox Fire Protection District at (815) 463-4500.