Excerpts from the Kane County Chronicle: Officials from the Fox River and Countryside Fire/Rescue District are preparing for serious financial challenges after the recent failure of their April referendum, according to reports. Board President Jim Gaffney announced that the district plans to seek a funding increase again, this time on the March 15 primary ballot in 2016. Earlier this year, voters rejected a similar proposal by a 3-to-1 margin, as recorded in official documents. "If the next vote doesn't pass, we won't be able to cover payroll at all during the 2017-18 fiscal year," Gaffney warned. The board is set to review a tentative 2015-16 budget that includes reduced spending and delayed equipment replacements at its meeting on Monday, June 22, at 7 p.m. The meeting will take place at Fire Station Three, located at 34W500 Carl Lee Road in St. Charles. Gaffney mentioned that the district could potentially be dissolved, but only through a voter initiative. If that happens, the state fire marshal would step in, disbanding the current district and reassigning it into smaller districts such as Elburn, South Elgin, Bartlett, and West Chicago. The Fox River Fire/Rescue District was established four years ago and serves parts of St. Charles, Campton, and Wayne townships in Kane and DuPage counties, along with sections of Wayne and Campton Hills. Unaudited financial data from the end of 2015 shows the district had only $47,877 in reserves. Without any cuts, the original 2016 budget projections suggest a nearly $500,000 deficit. Due to financial constraints, the district can no longer replace staff who leave for better-paying jobs. Equipment like fire trucks and ambulances is also being deferred, which Gaffney said is a growing concern. Three firefighter/paramedics, a captain, and a lieutenant have already left for better opportunities, and none will be replaced, saving the district $240,000. However, this amount is still far from covering the costs of new fire trucks ($450,000 each) and ambulances ($250,000 each), Gaffney added. The district’s attorney, Ken Shepro, emphasized the importance of replacing aging equipment to maintain safety and service standards. Starting this week, the district will operate with its remaining 21 employees, who will be reorganized into shifts to ensure full coverage across all stations, without any layoffs. Thanks, Dan Zigong Brace Cemented Carbide Co.,Ltd , https://www.bracecarbide.com