Mysuburbanlife.com recently published an article about how the DuPage County board utilized a new state law to move forward with dissolving the Fairview fire district. This development marks a significant step in their efforts to streamline county operations.
In a landmark move, the DuPage County Board voted unanimously during their meeting on Tuesday to approve the dissolution of the Fairview Fire Protection District, located in unincorporated Downers Grove. This decision follows the recent signing of SB-494 into law by Governor Pat Quinn in early August. The bill empowers the board to dissolve outdated or redundant agencies like mosquito abatement and sanitary districts, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce administrative overhead.
County Board Chairman Dan Cronin expressed pride in being the first county in Illinois to implement this legislation, calling the vote a “historic moment.†He emphasized the county's commitment to responsible governance and hopes that their actions will inspire similar reforms across the state. “We’re approaching this thoughtfully and responsibly, ensuring that our progress benefits not just our community but others across the region and beyond,†Cronin stated.
The Fairview District, while not owning any fire equipment or employing staff, still levies an annual property tax and collaborates with the Village of Downers Grove to handle emergency responses for approximately 187 properties. However, the district currently owes over $100,000 to the village. An assessment conducted at the request of the DuPage County Board revealed that due to tax cap limitations, the district wouldn’t be able to pay off this debt without holding a referendum to raise extra funds. To address this issue, a Special Service Area has been established for the affected parcels, eliminating the need for the Fairview District as an intermediary. Additionally, the village has agreed to forgive the outstanding debt, which will also cut down on administrative expenses such as auditing fees.
Before the dissolution becomes official, an audit must be completed, and an ordinance approving the formal dissolution needs to pass through the board. Following that, a trustee will be appointed to oversee the process, and after a five-month waiting period, the district will officially cease to exist.
Chairman Cronin mentioned that the county had spent around a year and a half building support for this closure but anticipates tackling several more dissolutions in the near future, including those involving the Salt Creek and Highland Hills sanitary districts. He acknowledged the complexity involved in consolidating entities, noting that every situation requires tailored solutions. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario,†he explained. “Each unit has its unique challenges.â€
Thanks, Dan! It seems like this could be the beginning of something bigger—perhaps a larger push toward broader consolidation efforts?
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