Excerpts from freepressnewspapers.com:
A full crowd filled the gymnasium at the school in Custer Park on Monday, July 17, as nearly 200 residents from Braidwood and Custer Township gathered with fire district officials to discuss a potential agreement that would transfer fire protection services in Custer to Braidwood.
During the meeting, a medical emergency in the parking lot highlighted the urgency of the situation. Custer’s EMTs and paramedics responded quickly, but ultimately, Braidwood Fire Protection District (BFPD) had to be called in for transport.
The Custer Fire Protection District (CFPD) and BFPD are currently negotiating an intergovernmental agreement (IGA). Although the draft is not finalized, it would see all of CFPD’s tax revenue transferred to Braidwood, while CFPD would sell off any assets Braidwood doesn’t want, with the proceeds also going to BFPD.
Residents and officials on both sides voiced strong opinions during the three-hour meeting. Some supported the IGA, while others were deeply concerned about what it might mean for their community.
CFPD Trustee Bob Hussey highlighted the department's achievements since its reopening in 2019, including equipment upgrades, maintenance projects, and the acquisition of new apparatus. He emphasized the commitment of the firefighters, EMTs, and staff to maintaining high standards of service.
However, some residents are frustrated by the fact that Custer Township, including the fire district, is expected to receive additional tax revenue from upcoming developments like a solar farm and a water district. While some believe this money should stay in Custer, others argue that current funds are insufficient to maintain staffing levels, keep the ambulance operational, and keep taxes low.
CFPD President Ron Pruss explained that without a fully functional ambulance, the district must rely on neighboring areas for transport. Although Custer has its own ambulance, funded in part by donations through the Friends of Custer Fire organization, it hasn't yet received state approval for transport. The application is still under review by the Illinois Department of Public Health, with a decision expected by August 5.
Currently, CFPD operates under a non-transport license, meaning they can provide emergency care until another district’s ambulance arrives. However, they are unable to respond to all calls independently due to staffing limitations.
Due to tax limits, CFPD cannot raise enough funds to hire more staff, and even increasing taxes may not guarantee sufficient coverage. BFPD has offered to integrate Custer’s employees into their system, but those who are only EMTs or paramedics would need to obtain firefighter certifications as well.
Some residents expressed frustration over having supported the fire department’s reopening with a tax increase in 2018, only to see it eventually fall under Braidwood’s jurisdiction again.
On the other hand, some Custer residents feel that the IGA offers a more stable future, especially if it ensures Braidwood takes full responsibility for fire protection in the area.
Many attendees also expressed concern that the IGA has not been made public, making it difficult for residents to understand the details and implications of the agreement.
Custer Park’s fire department ceased operations in 2013 after the private entity that ran it went out of business. Since then, Custer has relied on Braidwood for services, but in 2018, residents approved a referendum to reopen the fire protection district in May 2019.
Initially, Custer partnered with Riverside EMS for ambulance and paramedic services, but that contract ended last fall. According to the draft IGA, Braidwood would retain Custer’s ambulance, and the agreement would last for five years, after which it could be reevaluated. A potential merger between the two departments could lead to cost savings by eliminating redundancies such as dispatch and insurance, though it would require voter approval via a referendum.
Thanks Dennis
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