Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort Fire Protection District Board of Trustees for July 15, 2025

The Frankfort Fire Protection District Board of Trustees took major steps toward addressing long-term financial and operational needs at its meeting on July 15, 2025. The board directed its interim chief to begin the process of hiring a consulting firm for a potential tax referendum outreach campaign, signaling the first move in 25 years to ask voters for a tax increase. More details on the district’s referendum exploration are available in a standalone article.

In a significant capital investment, the board also approved a five-year, nearly $460,000 purchase of six new cardiac monitors to replace aging equipment. A preliminary budget review highlighted the financial pressures prompting these considerations, with the district facing a smaller surplus and rising overtime costs. These topics are also covered in separate, detailed reports.

Bills Approved: The Board of Trustees authorized the payment of Fire Service and Ambulance Fund bills as presented, totaling $560,519.27. All five trustees present voted in favor of the motion.

Old Ambulance Chassis to be Auctioned: The board unanimously passed Resolution #2025-04, authorizing the sale of a 2011 Ford F450 ambulance chassis that is no longer needed for fire protection purposes. Interim Fire Chief Paul Kinsella stated the vehicle will be put up for auction with an asking price of $3,200.

New Fire Engines Expected This Fall: Interim Fire Chief Paul Kinsella reported that two new (used) fire engines are anticipated to be delivered in September or October. Upon arrival, the engines will be assigned to Station 72 and Station 75. Other work includes moving brush trucks and completing the outfitting of a new battalion chief pick-up truck.

District to Receive More ‘Call Money’: The district will receive a greater share of “call money” from LCC, the area’s dispatch center. Chief Kinsella reported that he successfully attended an operations meeting where the distribution model was changed from an equal split among departments to one based on the number of alarms received, a structure that is more beneficial for the FFPD.

Personnel Update: Staffing levels are currently covered despite two recent firefighter injuries, according to a personnel report. The board was also informed that a member who recently suffered a shoulder injury has returned to work.

Committee Alignment Changed: The board approved a motion to add Trustee James McGeever, Jr. to the Mobile Committee and remove Trustee Justin Lohrens from the same committee. All other committee assignments will remain the same.