The Frankfort Fire Protection District Board of Trustees made a firm financial commitment to its pursuit of a future tax referendum at its meeting on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. The board unanimously approved a $70,000 contract with consulting firm Discovery Works Collaborative and a parallel agreement with the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois to manage a comprehensive community outreach campaign. This officially launches the district’s effort to ask voters for a tax increase for the first time in 25 years. For more on this story, see the full article.

The board also formally adopted its budget and appropriation ordinance for the 2026 fiscal year after a public hearing. Officials noted that the budget accounts for an expected increase in health insurance costs, a factor in the district’s overall financial planning. This topic is also covered in a separate, detailed report.

Bills Approved: Trustees voted unanimously to authorize payment of the Fire Service and Ambulance Fund bills presented at the meeting, which totaled $197,986.07.

Air Pack Cylinders Purchased: In a unanimous vote, the board approved a purchase order for $14,100 to Air One Equipment for 12 MSA G1 air pack cylinders. Interim Fire Chief Paul Kinsella confirmed that the items are replacement cylinders for the department’s existing breathing apparatus.

Personnel Sidelined by Injuries: Several firefighters are on light duty due to injuries, impacting staffing. Chief Kinsella reported one firefighter is expected to return in early September and another in October. However, an engineer with a shoulder injury will be out for four to six months, and another lieutenant’s return is undetermined. This will leave the Gold Shift short-staffed for the upcoming Fall Fest.

Equipment Status Update: The district’s current ambulance re-chassis will not be ready for Fall Fest, though a new battalion chief vehicle is tentatively expected to be in service for the event. Chief Kinsella also reported that two new fire rigs will be available in October, but the district’s ladder truck is currently down for preventative maintenance.

Communications Upgrade to Speed Up Dispatches: US Digital Designs will install a direct Comcast line into each fire station to improve the Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. Chief Kinsella stated this upgrade will allow the stations to receive calls 30 to 45 seconds faster. The project, along with reconfigurations for equipment storage at stations 72 and 75, will be funded by “alarm” money.

Board Discusses Fire Chief Search in Closed Session: Trustees met in closed session for nearly an hour to discuss the executive search and assessment process for hiring a permanent fire chief. After reconvening the public meeting, the board announced that no action was taken as a result of the private discussion.

Resident Praises Crew’s Professionalism: Trustee James McGeever, Jr. shared a “thank you” note received from a resident who complimented the medical service and professionalism of a fire crew that included Michael Neary, Joseph McConnell, Emily Reilly, and Michael Reinbolt.