skateboards,skateboard decks,skateboard with light up wheels Zilon , https://www.gdzilon.com
In a recent article from The Daily Herald, Antioch is facing a critical decision regarding the future of its ambulance and rescue services. Fire officials have been vocal since May about the urgent need for a new funding mechanism to sustain these essential services for the town's 27,000 residents. Under the current arrangement, which relies on cash reserves, the Antioch Fire Department and the First Fire Protection District have been hemorrhaging money, as explained by Fire Chief John Nixon. He emphasized that the only viable long-term solution is establishing a dedicated property tax specifically aimed at covering the costs of ambulance and emergency medical services.
The proposed tax rate stands at 25 cents per $100 of equalized assessed valuation, a measure expected to raise approximately $1.5 million in its inaugural year. This revenue would primarily support personnel and equipment maintenance, with some earmarked for a capital replacement fund. If approved by voters on November 4th, this tax would significantly alleviate financial strain. However, failure to pass it could lead to drastic changes in service delivery.
The impetus for this referendum arose following the discontinuation of the Antioch Rescue Squad's contract after 75 years of volunteer service. Since then, the fire district has assumed full responsibility for all rescue and ambulance calls, depleting two-thirds of its cash reserves in the process. Nixon noted that sustaining these operations costs around $35,000 monthly.
Voters will face separate referendums—one for village residents and another for those within Antioch Township. Approval would ensure continued service with minor adjustments; rejection, however, could force severe cutbacks. Village trustee Dennis Crosby stated that rejecting the proposal might necessitate reallocating funds from other municipal budgets, impacting various services. Similarly, township supervisor Steve Smouse warned that declining the measure could result in reduced staffing or outsourcing services to pricier private companies.
Chief Nixon further elaborated on potential repercussions, suggesting that township residents might experience longer wait times for ambulances due to fewer paramedics stationed at firehouses. Outsourcing services to external agencies would incur additional expenses, ultimately passed onto users. Despite these challenges, Nixon reiterated the department's commitment to maintaining full coverage, albeit with increased reliance on external resources.
This situation underscores the delicate balance between fiscal responsibility and public safety. As residents prepare to vote, they must weigh the immediate costs against the broader implications of diminished services. With stakes this high, the outcome of these referendums could reshape how emergency services operate in Antioch for years to come.