Excerpts from DailyHerald.com: Glen Ellyn village trustees are considering raising monthly fire service fees to cover operational costs and build a reserve fund for future improvements at the two local fire stations. The proposal has sparked discussion among residents, as it would mark a significant shift in how the village funds its fire department. The board gave initial approval on Monday night for higher fees affecting five different property categories. Homeowners would see their monthly charge double, from $7.50 to $15. Businesses with less than 20,000 square feet would pay $16 per month, up from $8. This increase is expected to bring in an estimated $1.6 million annually for the fire company. It's worth noting that Glen Ellyn’s fire department relies heavily on volunteers—around 60 of them—who are paid just $1 per year. In addition, the department will receive $151,500 this year from two special taxing districts, but the new fees are seen as a more sustainable funding model. The additional revenue would allow the village to set aside nearly $750,000 yearly for future projects, including potential upgrades or replacements of the aging fire stations. Station No. 1, located at Main Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, was built in the 1950s and could be in need of major renovations in the coming decade. The board plans to commission a space study for both fire stations later this year, with results expected by 2018. Meanwhile, financial advisors have recommended setting aside about $400,000 annually for equipment needs. One upcoming decision involves whether to purchase a new ladder truck later this spring. Currently, the fire service fees generate roughly $803,000 each year, while operational costs are projected to reach around $700,000 this year. The fees were introduced nearly three years ago to replace a donation-based system that only saw about 20% of property owners contributing. Initially, the village anticipated collecting about $70,000 from property owners east of I-355 and north of Roosevelt Road. However, those residents already pay property taxes to a neighboring district that contracts fire services from the Village of Lombard. The mistake was caught before any bills were sent out. The board may vote on the proposed fee increases as early as March 20. If approved, the new charges would appear on water bills starting in June. Thanks, Dan Used Excavators,Used Hydraulic Excavator,Used Large Excavators,Old Excavator XCMG Global Circularity Business Center , https://www.usedmachinemkt.com