June 20, 2003

Dear Residents of the Emmet - Chalmers Fire Protection District:

We would like to thank you for your continued support of our fire department. As you are probably aware, the Emmet - Chalmers Fire Department is a volunteer department that provides fire protection to our district. This department is composed of volunteers that give freely of their time to attend meetings, trainings, and most importantly, to be on call and ready to respond to assist each of us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are sure their dedication to serve us all is greatly appreciated.  

The firefighters and trustees are grateful for the support that we have received for our annual pancake fund-raisers. It is through efforts like this that we have been able to purchase needed gear and equipment for our firefighters. However, we must face the fact that costs continue to rise and we are all facing some tough times financially. The trustees have worked diligently to keep our costs down and Not raise taxes. In fact, last year your fire protection taxes actually dropped because the bonds on our tanker truck, purchased in 1992, were paid off. Additionally, the trustees purchased our brush truck without raising taxes, but by means of a low interest loan designed to be repaid with terms meeting the financial needs of the district. This loan has also been paid in full.

The current situation is that our pumper truck is 20 years old and beginning to show signs of age. This could mean being unreliable when an emergency arises. This would concern all of us, as this truck is a primary response vehicle that responds to nearly all of our calls. While we are maintaining this truck as well as possible, it is now time to replace it. Through our efforts with State Representative Rich Myers, we are to receive Illinois First money in the amount of $150,000 towards the cost of a new truck, once the state releases the money. However, a new truck, fully equipped, will cost the district $205,000. Additionally, we had a problem with space and decided to build on to our existing station. This project is nearly complete and cost the district about $30,000.

The trustees have been able to save $45,000 over the past several years in anticipation of these needs. However, we are hesitant to use every penny saved in case we have emergency costs that could always arise. As you can see, we have about $235,000 in capital improvements to be made with available funds of about $195,000. We have decided to ask our residents for assistance in helping to make these needed purchases. Therefore, instead of increasing taxes or asking for a bond referendum, we are asking for donations to help us raise money to meet our fire protection needs. One-hundred percent of all funds raised will be spent on the fire protection needs of the district.

A fund has been established at First Federal Bank, 430 W. Jackson Street, in Macomb for this purpose. Donations may be sent to the Emmet - Chalmers Fire Protection Fund at First Federal Bank or mailed to the Emmet - Chalmers Fire Protection District, P. O. Box 243, Macomb, IL 61455.

We realize money is tight, but would appreciate any donation. No donation is too small to help with this much needed funding. Your efforts to assist your fire department are greatly appreciated.

If you have any questions concerning the above request, please to not hesitate to contact any one of the trustees listed below.

Sincerely,

The Trustees of the Emmet - Chalmers Fire Protection District

Duane Barrett, Phillip Clark, Jeff Jones, Matt Kipling, and Linda Tomlinson