Excerpts from nwherald.com: The firefighters' union is taking the city to court over its decision to eliminate a tax fund that firefighters had sought to use for personal purchases, including Fitbits and coffee beans. This legal action has the potential to heighten tensions between the union and local officials, especially after nine Crystal Lake firefighters, including two who were arrested, faced disciplinary actions following an off-duty incident at a local bar in March. The lawsuit was filed on August 2 by the Crystal Lake Foreign Fire Insurance Tax Board and the city’s firefighter labor union against the city and several officials. They claim that the city violated state laws by eliminating the foreign fire insurance tax, which brings in over $60,000 annually. The suit also alleges that the city council improperly dissolved the tax board, withheld collected fees, and returned the money to the insurance companies. However, the city council never actually took those steps. Instead, they passed a modified version of the ordinance. An earlier draft had proposed dissolving the board, but it was never voted on or considered. Mayor Aaron Shepley stated that the tax board provided the lawsuit draft to council members before an August 1 meeting “to intimidate†them. He added that the board failed to update the lawsuit to reflect what the council actually did—setting the tax rate to zero and agreeing to use the remaining $150,000 in the fund until it runs out. The dispute originated from the tax board requesting approval to spend the foreign fire tax funds on items that would benefit individual firefighters, such as Fitbits, gym memberships, and coffee. These expenses were seen as questionable, especially since the city already provides coffee and other services to its departments. According to city code, the foreign fire tax is meant to support the Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department, including equipment, training, and certifications. However, Fire Rescue Chief Paul DeRaedt expressed concerns about the board's recent spending, arguing that personal items like Fitbits and gym memberships didn’t align with the fund’s purpose. Historically, the foreign fire tax has been used for more practical needs, such as exercise equipment, a new alert system, and essential firefighting gear. In 2015, the board approved $44,000 per year for gym memberships, and in 2016, $14,000 for Fitbits and $2,600 for coffee. Despite this, the city already spends around $1,270 annually on coffee for all departments. The board recently allocated about $57,000 for legal services, which would consume nearly the entire annual $61,000 collected. Since 2003, the Illinois Municipal League has transferred over $780,000 in foreign fire tax fees to the city, according to the union’s lawsuit. The tax will collect another $61,000 in the fall before being suspended indefinitely unless an agreement is reached. Mayor Shepley criticized the board for changing its approach over the past 20 years, saying it’s better for taxpayers if the city doesn’t bear these costs. DeRaedt noted that changes in the board’s leadership have led to disagreements with city officials over what qualifies as departmental benefit. The board recently hired legal counsel to revise its bylaws and seek funds it claims are unlawfully withheld. Shepley also argued that the firefighters’ union shouldn’t be involved in discussions unrelated to their collective bargaining agreement. The union’s contract with the city expires April 30, and negotiations are expected to begin in the spring. As for future talks, DeRaedt said there are no scheduled meetings yet, but he remains hopeful for a resolution. Thanks Dan Xuzhou D.C. International Trading Co., Ltd. , https://www.tfgyspackaging.com
September 29, 2025