Thank you to all who have read the PHFD newsletter. Once resident asked if we can change the ballot question to make it clear. We cannot change the ballot question, unfortunately. The exact wording of the question is established by state law and not changeable. In the top portion, the question, all the PHFD is permitted to do is insert the “4%.” In the bottom portion, the statement, the PHFD is required to insert the “$11.39” figure. It is unfortunate because this “legal” wording is not straightforward to the voters.

What the question is asking is whether or not the fire district should be allowed to levy taxes 4 percent higher than the previous year.
A YES vote allows that to happen.
A NO vote limits the tax increase to the Consumer Price Index (the “cost of living” increase). For 2017 that amount is 2.1 percent.

I hope this helps.

If you’d like to speak with me we can do so.
My phone number is 224-318-1720.
My email is firechief@phfire.com.
My office is open from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. – feel free to stop in!
I’m open to whatever works for you.

Sincerely,

Drew Smith, Fire Chief