Unless there’s a last-minute change during the official canvass — something McCook Mayor Jeff Tobolski says is unlikely — residents of the village have effectively rejected a proposal to disband the local fire department and join a fire protection district.

The measure ended in a 56-56 tie following the March 18 referendum. While ties in candidate races are typically decided by a coin toss, ballot questions require at least one vote in favor to pass. “If the numbers don’t change, which I don’t expect them to, this referendum is officially defeated,” Tobolski said after the election results were announced. “My next step is to work on rebuilding relationships and returning to the negotiating table with the firefighters.”

Tobolski emphasized that the conversation isn’t over. He plans to resume discussions with the firefighters’ union about a new contract. The mayor reiterated the concerns he raised before the vote: the current fire department lacks paramedic training, limiting its ability to provide advanced life support, and maintaining the department is financially burdensome for the village. “We still have a million dollars worth of payroll,” he noted.

Tobolski also mentioned alternative options, such as forming an intergovernmental agreement with a nearby fire protection district. However, he hasn’t ruled it out yet. “The voters made their decision clear — they don’t want to join a fire protection district,” he said. “We’ll continue working toward a fair and sustainable agreement with the firefighters.”

Voter turnout for the referendum was significantly higher than the county average. According to the Cook County Clerk’s office, 64.2% of eligible voters cast their ballots, with 113 out of 176 registered voters participating. That’s far above the countywide turnout of around 15%.

Thanks Dan

Steel Pipe

Steel Pipe,Line Pipe,Casing Pipe,Boiler Pipe

Shaanxi Jiade Import And Export Co., Ltd , https://www.jdsteeltube.com