WFRD growing - out of bounds?

Be sure to read Cal Skinner's article this morning about the Woodstock Fire Rescue District. You'll find it at www.mchenrycountyblog.com/ You may have to scroll down for it. The headline is "Lakewood moving fire protection from private company to Woodstock Fire Protection (sic) District".

I first thought, knowing a little of the history about the relationship of the Village of Lakewood to the City of Crystal Lake in past years regarding timely payment of charges for fire protection and rescue services, was "How much does Lakewood owe Crystal Lake, if anything, right now and how is Crystal Lake going to collect it?"

A while back I think Crystal Lake accepted $15,000 in payment, rather than fighting for the entire $150,000 that had been billed. That was a great deal for Lakewood and a lousy deal for Crystal Lake taxpayers.

Woodstock Fire Rescue District is funded by District taxpayers. Are the taxpayers going to okay this empire-building deal? What part, if any, of Lakewood is within the boundaries of WFRD? Can WFRD legally contract services to be provided out of its district?

If WFRD builds its empire, expanding its union ranks, and then Lakewood bails, what will WFRD get stuck with? How will it cover that contingency?

Although it is a public body, WFRD seems to be a rather "tight" organization, perhaps like Dorr Township was before residents began asking questions and probing actions. Does any member of the public attend WFRD monthly meetings? The November meeting will be November 18, 2010, 7:00PM, at Fire Station #1, 435 East Judd St., Woodstock.

For meeting dates and locations, look under "Board of Trustees" on www.wfrd.org/

Will WFRD cancel any contract if the Village of Lakewood commences a slow-pay program on its financial obligation? What about all those "extra" union firefighters who will want to be paid, whether Lakewood pays or not? WFRD taxpayers will end up on the hook.