General Assembly passes legislation to dissolve Elk Grove fire district

Legislation that would dissolve the Elk Grove Rural Fire Protection District has cleared the Illinois General Assembly and is now awaiting the signature of Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

The fire district ceased providing fire protection and emergency medical service in October, but still exists as a local taxing body. Its operations have since been picked up by the Mount Prospect Fire Department.

A referendum to dissolve the district failed in November, meaning the district would continue to collect taxes.

Things became more complicated when the district’s board members stopped serving. Without a board, the district cannot pay its bills.

The legislation, House Bill 5166, passed the state House unanimously in April and the Senate unanimously on Thursday.

“The hardworking people of unincorporated Elk Grove Township deserve the best quality fire protection,” the bill’s Senate sponsor, Sen. Laura Murphy of Des Plaines, said of the measure. “By dissolving the Elk Grove Rural Fire Protection District and designating coverage for these unincorporated areas, we ensure that they will have the necessary coverage should they need the support of fire or emergency services.”

The legislation also ensures the payment of outstanding bills and conveys any remaining district property to Mount Prospect. The Cook County Board would oversee and approve the accounting.

“We worked with the surrounding communities to come up with this plan that protects the taxpayers,” Murphy said. “We are protecting the taxpayers’ interests by assuring that they are protected by an independent source.”

The village is also renovating the fire district’s station at 1415 E. Algonquin Road. Village Manager Michael Cassady said the work should be done by July.