Excerpts from freepressnewspapers.com:
A 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 place Braidwood in charge of fire protection services for Custer.
Amid the meeting, a medical emergency occurred in the parking lot, prompting a quick response from Custer’s EMTs and paramedics. Despite their efforts, the situation still required assistance from the Braidwood Fire Protection District (BFPD) for transport.
The Custer Fire Protection District (CFPD) and the Braidwood Fire Protection District are currently negotiating an intergovernmental agreement (IGA). While the document is still in draft form, it outlines that all tax revenue collected by CFPD would be transferred to Braidwood. In return, CFPD would sell off any assets that Braidwood doesn’t need or want, with the proceeds also going to Braidwood.
The three-hour meeting featured passionate arguments from both supporters and opponents of the IGA. Community members shared their views, highlighting concerns about the future of local fire and emergency services.
Trustee Bob Hussey listed several achievements of the CFPD since its reopening in 2019, emphasizing the department's commitment to upgrading equipment, maintaining infrastructure, acquiring new apparatus, and managing daily operations. He expressed frustration over upcoming developments—like a solar farm and a water district—that are expected to bring more tax revenue to Custer. Some believe this money should stay within the district, while others argue that current funds are insufficient to maintain staffing levels, keep the ambulance service running, and keep taxes low.
CFPD President Ron Pruss explained that without a fully operational ambulance, the district would have to rely on neighboring areas for emergency transport. Although Custer has its own ambulance, funded in part by donations to the Friends of Custer Fire organization, it hasn't yet received state approval for transport. The application is pending with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and a decision is expected by August 5.
Currently, the CFPD operates under a non-transport license, allowing them to provide emergency care until an ambulance from another district arrives. However, they lack the capacity to fully respond to all calls. Due to strict taxing limits, they cannot raise enough funds to hire additional staff, making it difficult to maintain adequate coverage.
BFPD has offered to integrate Custer’s employees into their system, but those who are not already firefighters would need to obtain certification. This has raised concerns among some residents who feel they’ve already invested in the department through a 2018 tax increase, only to see it fall back under Braidwood’s control.
On the other hand, some Custer residents believe the IGA offers much-needed stability, especially if it ensures Braidwood takes full responsibility for the area. Many also expressed frustration that the IGA has not been made public yet.
Custer Park’s fire department closed in 2013 after the private entity failed. Since then, the township relied on Braidwood for services. A 2018 referendum allowed Custer to reopen the fire protection district in May 2019. Initially, they partnered with Riverside EMS for ambulance services, but that contract ended last fall.
Under the proposed IGA, Braidwood would retain Custer’s ambulance. The agreement would last five years, after which it could be reevaluated, potentially leading to a merger. A merger, which would require voter approval, could reduce costs like dispatch and insurance, offering long-term savings for taxpayers.
Thanks Dennis
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