Watchdog Group: Should Tri-State Fire District be Expanding?

The Darien-based Tri-State Fire Protection District is again the topic of an article by the Better Government Association, a citizen watchdog group, because of its recent consolidation with Willow Springs. 

Beginning Oct. 1, the fire district began providing fire and emergency services to Willow Springs' single fire station, per an intergovernmental agreement. 

But the BGA asks, "Should the district be expanding and taking on more responsibilities when its own financial house isn’t in order?" 

The article outlines the financial history of the district—which also serves parts of Burr Ridge, Willowbrook and unincorporated DuPage County—saying the district's general fund spending exceeded its revenues by more than $2.7 million from 2008 to 2012. 

"Willow Springs’ residents were told this would save tax money, but it’s putting a bigger burden on Tri-State residents in the short run, and that could mean higher taxes in Willow Springs in the long run, according to interviews and a copy of the consolidation agreement," the BGA article states. 

Read the full BGA article on the Willow Springs consolidation here. 

This isn't the first time the BGA has tackled issues at the Tri-State Fire District. It has also written about a pattern of timely raises that increased pensions as well as a potential conflict of interest in the relationship between the fire chief and a fire board trustee. 

READ MORE

• Tri-State Fire District will Serve Willow Springs
  
• Tri-State Fire District Officials' Raises Lead to 'Pension Windfall'
• Division Chief Sues Tri-State Fire District
  
• Watchdog Group: Tri-State Chief, Trustee’s Relationship is Conflict of Interest