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Antioch looking at tax referendum for EMS
In a recent article, The Daily Herald highlighted a proposed tax levy aimed at bolstering emergency medical services (EMS) in Antioch. Local authorities are pushing for a streamlined approach to emergency services by integrating fire and rescue operations under one umbrella organization. This initiative seeks public support to finance these essential services.
According to Antioch Fire Chief John Nixon, discussions are underway with village and township leaders to place a 25-cent property tax referendum on the November ballot. If approved, homeowners with properties valued at around $150,000 could expect to contribute approximately $140 per year toward the new service. The proposal includes separate votes for both village and township residents, which, if passed, could yield roughly $1.6 million annually for the fire department.
This plan aims to simplify the existing complex network of emergency responders in Antioch. Currently, the First Fire Protection District of Antioch, the Antioch Rescue Squad, and the Antioch Fire Department share responsibilities across a 37-square-mile region. While the fire district handles fire emergencies throughout the village and unincorporated areas, rescue missions are divided between the village's fire department and the Antioch Rescue Squad in non-incorporated zones.
Moving forward, village and township boards are expected to finalize an intergovernmental agreement appointing the Antioch Fire Department as the exclusive provider of fire and rescue services. A newly formed five-member emergency services board will replace the existing three-member First Fire Protection District board, comprising appointed representatives from both the village and township levels.
Additionally, the same agreement ensures that any surplus funds required beyond what the tax levy provides will be covered jointly by the village and township. To enhance coverage, the fire department plans to operate out of three stations, with two located in the village—responsible for handling 65% of fire calls—and a third station on Grass Lake Road catering to unincorporated parts of Antioch Township.
Presently, operational expenses for the three emergency agencies are shared among the village, township, insurance firms, and private donors. However, Fire Chief Nixon emphasized that maintaining such fragmented funding sources is unsustainable. Antioch Village Administrator Jim Keim noted that the village currently spends around $66,000 monthly to Metro Paramedic Service for staffing village-owned ambulances and managing rescue calls. Although they recover half of these costs through patient reimbursements, the remaining amount remains a financial burden for local governments.
This restructuring marks a significant change for the Antioch Rescue Squad (ARS), a volunteer-run group established over seven decades ago. Last week, the First Fire District decided against renewing its contract with ARS, effectively dissolving their collaboration when the contract ends in May. This decision comes amidst ongoing challenges faced by ARS since 2012 that have diminished its role and impact. Chief Brian DeKind mentioned that ARS intends to pivot towards community paramedicine, focusing on initiatives like wellness checks and home healthcare.
With these developments, Antioch moves closer to establishing a more cohesive emergency response system, promising better coordination and long-term sustainability for its vital services.