Kanecountyconnects.com recently published an open letter from Elburn & Countryside Fire Protection District Chief Kelly P. Callaghan regarding a key ballot initiative that could affect fire district coverage for some residents.
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**Editor’s Note:** The following is a guest opinion piece from Elburn & Countryside Fire Protection District Fire Chief Kelly P. Callaghan.
**Dear Editor,**
On November 4, 2014, the community was faced with a significant decision regarding the future of fire services in our area. The newly formed Fox River & Countryside Fire/Rescue District has since been heavily involved in defending its position, often in the public eye. As one of their letters noted, “Change tends to bring out strong emotion.†This is true — change can be emotional, especially when it impacts how we pay for essential services like fire protection.
Drew Frasz, our Kane County Board representative, recently wrote in a Letter to the Editor: “Many government bodies have struggled with declining revenues over the years, but hostile takeovers of areas that have been well-served by fiscally responsible agencies is not something I support.†We fully agree with this sentiment.
The issue at hand is not about public safety — it's about money. The Fox River Fire/Rescue District needs more properties to cover its $4.4 million debt. If they were truly concerned about public safety, they wouldn’t have repeatedly tried to block the Elburn & Countryside Fire Protection District from opening a station in Lily Lake to better serve the community. They wouldn't have also worked to silence the voices of Elburn and Lily Lake residents who are standing up against this disconnection.
For over 132 years, the Elburn & Countryside Fire Protection District has served and protected these communities. It’s time we stand behind the agency that has consistently delivered reliable, affordable, and effective fire services.
If you vote to disconnect from the Elburn Fire Department, you will be taking on their $4.4 million debt. That means your tax dollars will eventually be used to pay off that debt, as well as fund additional equipment and personnel needed to serve your family.
While Fox River continues to accumulate debt since its formation, the Elburn & Countryside Fire Protection District remains debt-free, transparent, and without hidden costs or new taxes. Their financial model just doesn’t add up.
Let the facts guide your decision. Let your voice be heard.
**PLEASE VOTE NO on November 4!**
Sincerely,
**Kelly P. Callaghan**
Fire Chief, Elburn & Countryside Fire Protection District
*Thanks, Dan.*
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