Frankfort Fire District Faces Tighter Budget, Rising Overtime in FY 2025 Outlook

Article Summary: A preliminary review of the Frankfort Fire Protection District’s fiscal year 2025 budget indicates a smaller surplus than the previous year, driven by rising overtime costs and an ongoing need to build the district’s emergency reserve funds. The financial pressures provide context for the board’s recent discussions about a potential tax referendum.

FFPD FY 2025 Budget Key Points:

• District Accountant James Howard reported a lower surplus for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2025, compared to the prior year.

• The district aims to increase its fund balance ratio for reserves from its current 30% to a more stable target of 40%.

• Rising overtime expenses and falling Consumer Price Index (CPI) rates were cited as key pressures on the budget.

FRANKFORT, IL – The Frankfort Fire Protection District is navigating a tighter financial landscape, according to a tentative budget update presented at the board meeting on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.

District Accountant James Howard explained that the fiscal year ending May 31, 2025, concluded with a smaller surplus than the previous year. He attributed this to several factors, including falling Consumer Price Index (CPI) rates, which can affect tax revenue, and a notable increase in overtime expenses. While real estate taxes remain the primary source of revenue, ambulance fees were reported as slightly down.

A key financial goal for the district, Howard said, is to strengthen its reserves. The current fund balance ratio stands at 30%, but the target is to build that to a more robust 40% to ensure financial stability for unforeseen emergencies or expenditures. Despite the tighter margins, Howard noted that the district had realized significant interest income from its investments.

This financial outlook serves as the backdrop for the board’s recent decision to explore a community outreach campaign for a potential tax referendum, which would be the first such request to voters in 25 years.