SPRINGFIELD – Two bills sponsored by State Representative Dan Swanson (R-Alpha) to help local fire protection districts have passed the Illinois House in recent days.
The first, House Bill 1625, would expand the types of appraisers who can determine the value of surplus real estate before it can be sold by fire protection districts. The change would bring the requirements on fire protection districts in line with those for park districts, road districts and municipalities and would save the fire protection districts both time and money.
Swanson’s second bill, House Bill 1626, would raise the threshold for competitive bidding for fire protection district contracts from $20,000 to $30,000, the same as for townships and counties. The change would have the added benefit of helping the districts keep up with inflation.
“These bills will help our local fire protection districts save money, run more efficiently and have more resources to focus on their primary mission of keeping our residents safe,” Swanson said. “I was glad to see the House pass both of these bills with large bipartisan majorities.”
Both bills now move on to the Senate for further consideration.
71st District residents can find more news about the General Assembly and information about upcoming events on Rep. Swanson’s legislative website at repswanson.com.