Barrington Fire District Takes Little Steps Toward Establishing Own Department

How is a brand new fire department established?

It’s a question the Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District (BCFPD) is facing as it continues the process of separating from the village of Barrington.

The district has identified the need to hire an administrator to handle the day-to-day business and guide it through the process. BCFPD is holding a special meeting on July 1 to evaluate the top three finalists for the administrator position, said Ryan McKeon, a spokesman for the district.

A decision on who to hire is expected at a July 15 meeting, McKeon said.

It is one of the first steps for the BCFPD to establish its own department.

The BCFPD currently has an agreement with Barrington for fire service
but the agreement is set to expire in December. However, the district has notified the village it does not intend to renew the agreement.

Under the agreement, the district contributes about 65 percent toward the cost of firefighter salaries and equipment and the village contributes about 35 percent, McKeon said. The district and village split the costs of operations and equipment, he said.

BCFPD’s decision to separate from Barrington stems from the BCFPD wanting to hire additional firefighters while the village did not want to take on the “legacy” costs of new hires, specifically additional pension costs.

A consultant hired by the BCFPD found it needs more firefighters to serve its growing area. Barrington officials also hired a consultant to explore the issue. There is no consultant report at this time, it has not been finished, Village Attorney Jim Bateman. The village is not releasing any documents the consultant did provide, citing preliminary drafts and other reports the board uses to form opinions are exempt from public disclosure, he said.

This week, the fire district also began evaluating proposals it received from private contractors offering firefighter services, McKeon said. BCFPD will have to hire its own firefighters or hire a private contractor.
 
Trustees will take some time to review the proposals and determine the best way to move forward, he said. Other departments, like Fox River Grove, use contract firefighters and it has worked out well for that department, he said.

Separating from Barrington was not the district’s first choice, but the board is moving forward as if it is going to happen, McKeon said.

“They have to be ready to go in case both sides can’t reach an agreement,” he said, adding “there doesn’t seem to be a lot of dialogue between the two (the district and the village).”