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Area fire departments and districts seeking new revenue streams (more)
The Better Government Association recently published an editorial highlighting a concerning practice by several fire departments in the Chicago area: charging non-residents for emergency services during motor vehicle accidents. This issue, which has sparked public debate, raises serious questions about fairness, transparency, and the role of local government in providing essential services.
One of the key responsibilities of the Better Government Association is to identify early warning signs that could signal deeper issues within public institutions. In this case, we’ve uncovered a troubling trend: emergency services, traditionally funded through property taxes, are now being used as a revenue source for municipalities facing budget shortfalls. This shift means that individuals involved in car accidents—regardless of fault or severity—may be unexpectedly billed for the very help they received during a crisis.
The practice, often referred to as a “crash tax,†involves charging victims for the cost of emergency responders, such as fire crews and paramedics. According to our investigation, at least 15 Cook County suburbs have started billing non-residents for these services. The fees vary widely, with some departments charging hourly rates of $250 to $400 per fire engine, and others imposing flat fees ranging from $435 to over $2,200. These charges can apply even to minor incidents, such as a small fire under a car hood or routine traffic control.
While these services were once free and covered by local taxpayers, many communities are now turning to alternative funding sources due to financial pressures. Some departments claim that non-residents do not contribute to local property taxes, and therefore should not expect free emergency care. However, critics argue that this approach places an unfair burden on accident victims, especially those without insurance or who face denied claims.
Daryl Jenkins Jr., a resident of Berkeley, found himself in exactly that situation. After a small fire broke out in his SUV, he was charged $390 for the response, even though the incident was minor and the fire was quickly extinguished. His experience is not unique, as many drivers are caught off guard by unexpected bills after an accident.
This practice also raises ethical concerns. Targeting vulnerable individuals with aggressive collection tactics, potentially inflating costs by sending more resources than necessary, and relying on insurance companies to cover the fees all point to a system that lacks accountability. While it’s true that fire departments require significant funding, the way these charges are implemented often feels exploitative rather than fair.
We recognize that communities need innovative ways to fund public services without placing excessive burdens on residents. But if fire departments are going to charge for emergency services, there must be clear safeguards to protect accident victims from being financially harmed twice—once by the accident itself and again by an unexpected bill. Transparency, fairness, and accountability must be at the heart of any new policy.
Thanks, Dan.