The Manhattan Fire Protection District and the Peotone Fire Protection District accomplished something rare in local government. After a two-year intergovernmental agreement, the two fire districts were fully consolidated into one, effective January 1, 2023. This was a monumental task but, in the end, the citizens will see the short-term and long-term benefits from this consolidation.
For this first year, we want to highlight the benefits. The fire district is a unit of local government that uses all its revenues to meet its customers’ service needs and demands. We use planning, data analysis, and fiscal responsibility to fulfill the mission of the Manhattan Fire Protection District (MFPD): “The primary mission of the Manhattan Fire Protection District is to respond to our customer needs by providing fire suppression, emergency medical services, fire prevention and education, and other specialized services in a safe, effective manner.” We will always continue to reinvest in our organization to meet our mission.
Since January, we have hired nine additional full-time firefighters, bringing the total sworn full-time staff to 24. We also hired 16 part-time firefighters in 2023 and continue to have an entire internship program that feeds into our part-time program. We staff a total of 13 firefighters per day between all three stations. The minimum number of firefighters on duty at any given time is 10. This was all possible thanks to the consolidation, and it demonstrates how we are stronger together!
Since consolidation, all finances have been combined. Both pension funds have consolidated and are fully funded. Our operating budget is approximately $8 million. That includes our operating costs and capital needs, which include our 10-year fleet and facility replacement plan. We are conducting an asset study to validate the consolidated districts’ assets as part of our annual audit. This consolidation allows us to spread the taxpayer burden among a more extensive tax base, while increasing service levels.
As a result of consolidation, the fire district transitioned to a seven-member appointed board of trustees, with representation from all areas of the fire district, including the Peotone community. We have added additional public education programs to all communities we serve and improved our fire prevention program and working relationships with both villages and the county. The fire district has seen significant growth in the business world this past year. We are excited to continue working with all parties involved in community development.
A 10-year fleet and facilities plan was developed and implemented to meet national standards and the needs of our organization. With the cost of ambulances at $400,000 and fire engines at nearly $1 million, we must be able to plan and save for replacing our apparatus. Our facilities are updated as needed to meet current standards and response goals. Station 83 (Peotone station) is being remodeled and is set to be completed around May. Station 83 (Peotone station) and Station 82 (Wilton Center station) are getting new signage and landscaping, as well.
As we continue this journey, the fire district also has been planning for the future. Using data and our cover/community risk assessment standard, we have developed a 20-year plan for future fire stations based on growth and response times. We continue to update our cover/community risk assessment standard as this living document ties into our strategic plan.
During this first year of consolidation, the fire district has been able to increase service levels while being fiscally responsible. Our staffing has been solidified, and we continue to see an influx of applications. We continue to operate within a balanced budget, while fulfilling the district’s long-term needs. Our public outreach is at an all-time high, and relationships continue to grow. Our fleet is current, safe, and built to last. Our vision is on the future and how we can continue to provide the citizens of the largest fire district north of Springfield with the best service possible.
As always, please visit our website, www.manhattanfire.org, or call 815-478-3197 if you have any questions. You also may email me directly at smalone@manhattanfire.org.
Respectfully submitted,
Fire Chief Steve Malone