Local State Rep. Dan Swanson (R-Alpha) has passed legislation out of committee, which aims to increase the annual stipend paid to fire protection trustees.
House Bill 5253 provides that a member of the board of trustees of a fire protection district having fewer than four full-time paid firemen be compensated $1,500 (up from $1,000), and a member of the board of trustees of a fire protection district having more than three but fewer than 10 full-time paid firemen be compensated $2,000 (up from $1,500). A member of the board of trustees of a fire protection district having 10 or more full-time paid firemen be compensated $2,500 (up from $2,000).
Swanson says district trustees are charged with the responsibility of ensuring that all monies collected are budgeted and accounted for, and commit hundreds of hours per year to ensuring tax money is spent wisely, and department needs are met.
The bill was approved in the Illinois House by a vote of 95-0 and now moves on to the Senate for consideration.