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Area fire departments and districts seeking new revenue streams (more)
The Better Government Association recently published an editorial highlighting a growing practice among several local fire departments in the Chicago area: charging non-residents for emergency services during motor vehicle accidents. This controversial approach, often referred to as a "crash tax," has sparked concerns about fairness, transparency, and the impact on accident victims.
In a recent investigation, the BGA uncovered that at least 15 suburbs within Cook County now bill non-residents for emergency responses, even for minor incidents or situations where the driver is not at fault. These charges can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the number of units and personnel involved. Some departments charge hourly rates—up to $400 per engine and $75 per firefighter—while others impose flat fees between $435 and $2,200.
Traditionally, these services were covered by local property taxes, but with budget constraints tightening across many municipalities, some fire departments are turning to alternative revenue sources. The idea is to recover costs through insurance companies, which typically cover accident-related expenses. However, this system leaves gaps when drivers lack insurance or claims are denied.
One such case involved Daryl Jenkins Jr., who received a $390 bill after a small fire broke out under the hood of his SUV. His brother had called 911, and the Broadview Fire Department responded quickly. Despite the minor nature of the incident, Jenkins was still charged for one engine and four firefighters. He wasn’t alone in being surprised by the unexpected cost.
Fire departments argue that non-residents don’t contribute to local property taxes, so they shouldn’t expect free emergency services. But critics say this reasoning overlooks the fact that these fees often don’t cover actual costs and may be used as a revenue tool rather than a fair billing practice.
There are serious concerns about how this practice could be exploited. For example, it’s possible for departments to send more personnel than necessary to increase the bill. It also creates an unpredictable system, where reimbursement depends on the decisions of insurance companies. In some cases, unpaid bills are sent to collections, adding further stress to those already dealing with the aftermath of an accident.
While we understand the financial pressures facing local governments, we believe there should be stronger safeguards in place to protect accident victims from being burdened with unexpected and potentially unaffordable charges. This issue calls for greater transparency, accountability, and a more equitable approach to funding emergency services.
Thanks, Dan.