On Tuesday, April 10, 2018, the DuPage County Board took a significant step toward dissolving the North Westmont Fire Protection District. The board voted unanimously to start the process, which will make this the fifth local government entity in DuPage County to be disbanded.
The dissolution will eliminate the district’s annual tax levy and forgive $300,000 in debt accumulated over the past five years. Additionally, $11,000 in annual administrative costs will be redirected to support fire services. Under an agreement with the Village of Westmont, the costs of fire protection will be fairly shared, ensuring continued emergency response for residents in unincorporated areas of Westmont.
"This is a great example of collaboration between local governments that benefits taxpayers," said DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin. "The agreement ensures sustainable funding for a critical public service. I commend the officials from Westmont and the fire district who worked closely with residents to develop and implement this new model."
A 2016 survey showed that most residents supported the dissolution, preferring to receive fire and ambulance services through the Village of Westmont. In June 2017, the county board approved Westmont's request to establish a Special Service Area (SSA) to provide fair rates for all residents. The village officially approved the SSA in December, and it was formally established by the County Clerk in February.
Previously, DuPage County has dissolved several other entities, including the Timberlake Estates Sanitary District, the DuPage Fair and Exposition Authority, the Fairview Fire Protection District, and the Century Hill Street Lighting District.
From dailyherald.com:A paper district that solely collects taxes to fund fire and ambulance services for an unincorporated area near Westmont is set to become the fifth local government unit to be disbanded by DuPage County. On Tuesday, county board members voted to begin the dissolution process of the North Westmont Fire Protection District.
Once fully dissolved, the district's approximately 4,000 residents will continue to receive emergency services from the Westmont Fire Department. Unlike traditional fire districts, North Westmont doesn’t have its own fire station, equipment, or personnel. Instead, it collects property taxes from 561 parcels and uses the funds to pay the village of Westmont for fire and ambulance services.
Under a new agreement, residents will now pay the village through a newly created Special Service Area (SSA), which covers parts of Westmont, Downers Grove, and Oak Brook. This system ensures a more equitable distribution of costs across the region.
This move followed a 2013 state law change that gave DuPage County the authority to dissolve such districts. Since then, the county has successfully eliminated several similar entities. The push for dissolution began after a 2016 survey revealed strong resident support for the idea.
In June 2017, the county board approved Westmont’s plan to create the SSA, which was later accepted by the village in December and officially established by the County Clerk in February.
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