Antioch Vote On Reopening Fire Station Still Undecided
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Officials in north suburban Antioch were waiting to see if voters have given them the nod to reopen a fire station that has been closed since the end of last year.
Voters in the village of Antioch approved a property tax hike for more ambulance service by more than 300 votes, but in unincorporated Antioch Township, the tax increase was ahead by only 8 votes.
Antioch Fire Chief John Nixon said the First Fire Protection District is funded by the village and township equally, so there's no reopening Station 3 without the approval of both.
There are still 32 mail-in ballots uncounted, and more could come in over the next couple days.
"Right now, we're just holding our breath, with positivity, but still uncertainty," he said. "it is a little stressful. The overall outcome, though, is very pleasing."
Nixon said he's impressed with the turnaround from November, when voters rejected another tax increase referendum, leading to the closing of Station 3, and longer wait times for fire department service.
The chief said officials have been working on a contingency plan, in case the vote doesn't go their way.