about lake city area
fire protection district
About the Fire District
What are the current sources of revenue for the Fire Protection District?
The primary sources of income are property taxes and grants. Other income includes donations, earnings on deposits, and specific ownership taxes. Total revenue for 2024 in the General Fund was $143,633 including grants.
How many fires does the district respond to each year?
[Include average annual call statistics]
How many firefighters serve the District?
The district currently has [number] volunteer firefighters.
What area does the Fire Protection District cover?
The district includes the Town of Lake City and numerous properties outside town limits that have petitioned to join the district over the years. This has created a "patchwork quilt" coverage area.
What is an ISO rating and why does it matter?
The Insurance Services Office (ISO) rates fire departments on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being the best. This rating directly affects homeowners' insurance premiums. Our rating has improved from Class 10 (unprotected) in 1982 to Class 3/3Y today, saving property owners significantly on insurance costs.
How is the current property tax revenue allocated?
Only 63% of our District's property tax revenues are allocated to the General Fund. The Capital Reserve Fund receives 35% and the Contingency Reserve Fund receives 2%.
Will the new sales tax be used to benefit other emergency services organizations?
No. EMS and Search and Rescue are separately funded by Hinsdale County and are seeking their own funding by other means.
How Funds Will Be Used
What specifically will the new sales tax fund?
The additional revenue will fund:
Essential personnel (Fire Chief, Facilities Manager, Administrative Assistant)
Training for volunteer firefighters
Equipment maintenance and replacement
Facility improvements and expansion
Long-term financial stability
Will any of the money go toward firefighter salaries?
Our firefighters are volunteers who receive only minimal stipends for training and emergency responses. The tax will fund professional staff positions that are essential for operations, training, and administration.
Why do you need the funding now after 43 years?
Several factors have created a perfect storm of financial challenges:
Our longtime District Manager who filled multiple roles has retired
Worker's compensation premiums increased 195% in 2024
Dispatch costs rose 40% in 2025
Equipment and maintenance costs continue to climb
Our facility has reached capacity
Grant funding is increasingly competitive and uncertain
How much of the funding will go toward administration versus equipment?
[Include budget breakdown with percentages]
Voting Information
When is the election?
Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
Where can I vote?
Polling will take place at [location] from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Election Day. Early voting and mail ballot options are also available.
Can I vote early or by mail?
Yes. Early voting begins on [date] at [location]. Mail ballots will be sent to registered voters beginning [date]. Contact the Hinsdale County Clerk at [phone number] for more information.
Who is eligible to vote on this issue?
To vote on Proposition 1A, you must:
Be registered to vote in Hinsdale County
Reside within the boundaries of the Lake City Area Fire Protection District
Be at least 18 years old on Election Day
How do I know if I live within the Fire Protection District boundaries?
[Instructions for checking district boundaries]
What's the exact ballot language?
[Include precise ballot language here]
