Voters going in favor of Braidwood Fire District’s tax increase referendum

The Braidwood Fire Protection District’s referendum seeking a tax increase was gaining approval from a majority of voters Tuesday night.The Fire District, which serves the towns of Braidwood, Custer Park, and Godley, is asking for its first tax rate increase in 50 years.With 75% of precincts reporting in Will County, the referendum was leading with 56.25% in favor and 43.75% against. The fire district says that it has seen its call volume double in the last 25 years as the area’s population has grown and additional commercial developments have been added.Under the current tax rate, the district receives $2,819,468 per year in property taxes. The new rate would increase that amount to $5,262,549.The district said it would use the funds to hire more full-time firefighters, raise salaries, and replace aging vehicles and equipment.Braidwood fire officials said the referendum, if approved, would raise taxes on a $300,000 home by about $212 per year, or “about $6 per week.”