Article Summary: The Frankfort Fire Protection District Board of Trustees has unanimously adopted its budget and appropriation ordinance for the 2026 fiscal year. The approval came after a public hearing where officials noted that rising health insurance costs are an increasing pressure on the district’s finances.

FY 2026 Budget Key Points:

• The board unanimously approved Ordinance #263, which formalizes the budget for the fiscal year running from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026.

• District Accountant James Howard specifically pointed out that the cost of health insurance is expected to increase.

• The budget was passed following a public hearing where no members of the public offered comment.

FRANKFORT, IL – The Frankfort Fire Protection District Board of Trustees on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, gave its final approval to the budget and appropriation ordinance for the upcoming fiscal year, a plan that accounts for the rising cost of health insurance.

The board held a brief public hearing on the proposed budget for the fiscal year commencing June 1, 2025, and ending May 31, 2026. After Trustee James McGeever, Jr. read the public notice and no comments were offered from the public, the hearing was closed.

District Accountant James Howard presented Ordinance #263 to the board, noting that the budget reflects an expected increase in health insurance expenditures, a common pressure for public and private sector employers. Following a brief discussion, the board voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance.

The approval of the budget provides a financial framework for the district as it simultaneously embarks on a costly community outreach campaign to explore a potential tax referendum to address long-term operational and staffing needs.