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“Shall the Long Creek Fire Protection District levy a special tax at a rate not to exceed 0.40% of the value of all taxable property within the district as equalized or assessed by the Department of Revenue for the purpose of providing an ambulance service?”
Why a Petition?
The petition itself does not create a tax or change how trustees are chosen. Its only purpose is to place the questions on the election ballot so that the entire community has the chance to vote. This ensures the decision is made openly, by all residents, at the polls, not behind closed doors.
Why It’s Being Proposed
Why It’s Being Proposed
Long Creek previously attempted to provide ambulance service without a tax, but the appointed fire trustees shut it down.
Without dedicated funding, reliable service cannot be guaranteed.
An EMS tax ensures local control of our ambulance service rather than relying on outside providers.
Benefits of Passing the EMS Tax
Benefits of Passing the EMS Tax
Dedicated, 24/7 ambulance service within the district.
Faster response times for emergencies. (While Long Creeks Ambulance was in service their average response time from dispatch time to on scene was 4.35 mins)
Paramedics and EMTs trained to serve our community directly.
Funds legally locked for EMS only — ensuring transparency.
If you are a Long Creek resident, after insurance there are no out-of-pocket bills for ambulance service.
What Happens If It Doesn’t Pass
What Happens If It Doesn’t Pass
No guaranteed ambulance service in Long Creek.
Continued reliance on outside providers, who may face long delays.
Loss of local control over EMS decisions.
Cost to Homeowners
Cost to Homeowners
A home valued at $100,000 would pay about $11 per month.
A home valued at $150,000 would pay about $16.50 per month.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Will this money go to anything besides EMS?
A: No. By law, funds raised through this levy must be used only for ambulance and EMS.Q: Do we already pay taxes for EMS?
A: No. This would be a new, dedicated levy for ambulance service.Q: Why can’t the general fire budget cover this?
A: Fire budgets are already stretched. Dedicated EMS funding ensures ambulance service is not competing with fire suppression for resources.Q: What if Long Creek’s ambulance is already on a call?
A: Long Creek will do their best to backfill a second ambulance. If unable to backfill, another available ambulance service will respond if units are available, or Bethany Ambulance will be dispatched. No matter what, you will always have an ambulance response. This levy ensures that Long Creek can cover more calls directly, with faster times and a second ambulance when possible.Q: Will this EMS service only be for Long Creek residents?
A: Since the ambulance was part of Long Creek Fire Department, it will operate under the same response guidelines as the fire department. Most fire departments are part of a mutual aid agreement. In Illinois, that is usually MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System).Q: Do the surrounding areas that don’t have an EMS contribute to support the Long Creek EMS? A: If you live in the Long Creek Fire Protection District, your taxes already help pay for ambulance service. That means after your insurance pays its part, you won’t get a bill for the balance. If you live outside the district, that benefit doesn’t apply and you’re responsible for anything your insurance doesn’t cover.
This petition is led by residents of the district. It is not sponsored by the fire department. Illinois law gives residents the right to petition for a referendum so the community can decide this issue by vote.
This petition is led by residents of the district. It is not sponsored by the fire department. Illinois law gives residents the right to petition for a referendum so the community can decide this issue by vote.
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