Crime & Safety

Palatine Rural Fire Protection District to Post Ads on Trucks

You may soon see advertising on ambulances and fire trucks from Palatine Rural Fire Protection District, in an effort to make up for budget shortfalls.

Written by Melanie Santostefano

Voters recently rejected a property tax hike proposed by the Palatine Rural Fire Protection District in the northwest suburbs and that has caused district leaders to turn to unconventional fund-raising methods. 

The fire protection district plans to sell advertising space on emergency vehicles, including fire trucks and ambulances. The ads are expected to bring in between $20,000 to $25,000 per year, according to Fire Protection District Chief Hank Clemmensen. 

Clemmensen said over the last few years, property tax values have declined, and along with them revenue for the district to afford every day costs. Money that comes into the district is directly related to the equalized assessed valuation of properties within the district boundaries. 

"We've seen a 9-percent decline, which represents about $300,000, and that's tough when all of our other expenses continue to rise," Clemmensen said. 

He added that the labor contracts for fire protection district employees will 
remain  in place for the next three years, and equipment still has to be replaced so the business of saving lives and structures can continue. 

"We've cut down to the bone, so we decided to look for creative solutions," Clemmensen said.  

The fire protection district is working with an Arizona-based company that specializing in public safety advertising. 

The Palatine Rural Fire Protection District serves the eastern two thirds of Inverness, in addition to all unincorporated area of Palatine Township. 

What do you think? Is this an acceptable way to raise funds, or is it too out of the ordinary? Let us know what you think in our comment section below!


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