Frankfort Fire District Explores Tax Referendum, Moves to Hire Outreach Consultant

Article Summary: The Frankfort Fire Protection District is taking initial steps toward asking voters for a tax increase for the first time in 25 years, citing revenue challenges and the need for increased staffing. The Board of Trustees has directed its interim fire chief to begin working with a community outreach firm at an estimated cost of $73,000 and has met with the state’s firefighter association to strategize a potential referendum campaign.

Frankfort Fire Protection District Key Points:

• The board instructed Interim Fire Chief Paul Kinsella to start the process with Discovery Works Collaborative for a community outreach campaign estimated to cost $73,000.

• Discussions at a special meeting with the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois (AFFI) focused on campaign strategy, voter education, and timing, with a potential 2027 election being considered.

• Key operational needs driving the consideration include funding for capital improvements and hiring two additional firefighters per shift.

• The district has not sought a tax increase from residents in a quarter of a century.

FRANKFORT, IL – The Frankfort Fire Protection District Board of Trustees, facing future revenue challenges and increased operational demands, took significant steps at meetings on July 15 and July 25, 2025, toward pursuing a potential tax referendum.

During their regular meeting on Tuesday, July 15, the board directed Interim Fire Chief Paul Kinsella to begin the process of engaging Discovery Works Collaborative, a firm that specializes in community outreach for public funding initiatives. According to board discussion, the estimated cost for the firm’s services is approximately $73,000.

District Accountant James Howard, who previously worked with the firm on a successful referendum for Lemont, noted that the cost could be absorbed in the fiscal year 2026 budget.

Trustee Nicholas Spano detailed the district’s need to address future financial shortfalls and outlined several options the board is considering to increase operational funding. These include a Rescue Tax Referendum, a Bond Referendum, or a direct increase to the property tax liability. “Nothing has been determined,” Spano said, but he noted a preference for the flexibility offered by a Rescue Tax.

Chief Kinsella explained the operational needs that are driving the discussion, which include ensuring adequate funding for capital improvements and adding two more people per shift to improve service and safety.

Ten days later, at a special meeting on July 25, the board delved deeper into campaign strategy with representatives from the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois (AFFI), a state-level organization that assists fire districts with referendums. AFFI representatives Tim Hunter and Steve Shetsky presented a detailed overview of how to mount a successful campaign.

A key topic was the timing of a potential ballot question. The AFFI representatives cautioned against the March 2026 primary, which coincides with a governor’s race, or other general elections, suggesting the district might “push out to 2027.” If a referendum were to pass in 2027, the district would see the new funding in 2028. The board also noted that the Frankfort Park District is considering its own referendum in the near future.

The discussion highlighted that the fire district has not asked for a tax increase from the community in 25 years.

AFFI’s proposed services include developing a clear message, identifying specific voter demographics, and managing a multi-faceted outreach campaign. This would involve using voter statistics from the AFL-CIO and the County Clerk to target different groups, including conservatives and union supporters, based on past voting trends. Strategies discussed included direct mailers, yard signs, a door-knocking campaign by firefighter union members, and a cautious use of social media for informational purposes.

Union President Nick Sunzere confirmed that members are eager to help with outreach, suggesting they could educate the public at events like the weekly Farmers’ Markets. The board and AFFI also emphasized the importance of gaining support from community leaders and holding informational “open houses” to give residents a voice in the process.

While no formal action was taken at the special meeting, the board appeared to be moving forward with a two-pronged approach: using Discovery Works Collaborative for professional consulting while leveraging the experience and manpower of the AFFI for campaign execution.