(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — After more than six decades of relying on Salem Lakes for emergency fire and medical services, the Village of Paddock Lake has officially ended its contract with the Salem Lakes Fire and Rescue Department. The decision, finalized by a vote of the Paddock Lake Village Board, shifts fire and EMS coverage to the Village of Bristol beginning in 2026—delivering a significant financial blow to Salem Lakes and raising questions about fiscal management and leadership transparency.
The split stems from growing frustrations over ballooning costs and what Paddock Lake officials characterize as a breakdown in communication and accountability from Salem Lakes leadership. According to public records, Salem Lakes President Rita Bucur sent a formal letter to Paddock Lake in April outlining a significant cost increase, citing call volume and a new formula based on service usage rather than property values. Bucur proposed increasing Paddock Lake’s annual contract from $393,680 to $786,957 and suggested switching to a five-year deal with built-in inflation adjustments.
But Paddock Lake Administrator Tim Popanda said the letter read more like an ultimatum than a good-faith effort to collaborate. “I don’t believe they were [willing to negotiate]. If the letter does not say, ‘reach out to us for negotiations,’ or ‘we’re willing to accept your counteroffer,’ nothing like that. If you read that letter, it’s pretty demanding,” Popanda told Kenosha County Eye.
Complicating matters further was an ongoing dispute over a fire truck purchased by Paddock Lake using unrestricted surplus funds as part of a long-term service credit agreement. The truck—a 2023 heavy rescue unit—was later deemed too large for operational use by Salem Lakes. The village expressed interest in selling the truck through a third-party dealer, estimating it could fetch as much as $900,000, which would be $78,000 more than its purchase price. Salem proposed handling the sale under Paddock Lake’s supervision, with proceeds (minus commissions) returned to Paddock Lake.
However, Salem Lakes also took the position that after 8.5 years of credit application, ownership of the truck should revert to them. If Paddock Lake rejected that arrangement, Salem wanted either reimbursement for the applied credits or its share of the sale proceeds. This ultimatum further strained relations.
Documents confirm that Salem Lakes attempted to renegotiate its contract based on updated emergency call volumes. Citing that Paddock Lake accounted for 28 percent of its total service calls, Salem Lakes argued it was no longer fair for Paddock Lake to contribute just 15 percent of the department’s budget, as was set in the previous equalized assessed value formula. But Paddock Lake officials questioned the legitimacy of those numbers, with Popanda alleging in internal communications that “the data and numbers have been cooked.”
Trust and transparency between the two villages appear to have eroded further. In a February 2024 email, Popanda accused Salem Lakes of manipulating data and misreporting call volumes to justify increased fees. Meanwhile, Salem Lakes officials insisted that their reports were accurate and that their service levels—including 24/7 paramedic staffing—were unmatched.
The contract dispute also revived scrutiny of Salem Lakes leadership. At the May 5, 2025, board meeting, Salem Lakes Trustee Bill Hopkins publicly criticized a community bulletin board website, West of The I, for allegedly spreading misinformation about the fire department.
“A recent article on West of The I contained inaccurate information regarding costs and response times for the Salem Fire/Rescue Department,” Hopkins said. “Residents of Paddock Lake are invited to attend tonight’s meeting or watch it on YouTube. We will address the misinformation provided to West of The I.”
Meanwhile, Kenosha County Eye has also learned that efforts by Paddock Lake to explore regional collaboration—including a multi-municipality EMS consortium—were met with mixed reactions. Some municipalities expressed hesitation about partnering with Salem Lakes.
In one particularly telling moment during a phone interview, Popanda confirmed that Salem’s administrator had asked Paddock Lake to join in a joint referendum to raise the tax levy—an idea he flatly rejected.
“We told Cassandra absolutely not,” Popanda said. “We are not doing a referendum and placing that on our taxpayers.”
The revenue loss to Salem Lakes—approximately half a million dollars—is expected to ripple through the village’s 2026 budget. And with credibility questions now surfacing publicly, Village Administrator Cassandra Hiller may face increased scrutiny from residents and neighboring municipalities.
Despite the friction, Paddock Lake officials emphasized that the change was not personal—it was financial. “Our board based it on the dollar amount,” Popanda said. “We’re trying to be good stewards of taxpayer money.”
Village President Alex Attiah also issued a formal statement to reassure residents and express appreciation for past service:
“First, I want to thank the men and women of the VOSL Fire/EMS department for decades of professional and quality services to the residents of the Village of Paddock Lake. The Village of Paddock Lake’s decision not to renew the VOSL Fire/EMS Services Agreement is not a reflection on the services provided by the men and women of the VOSL Fire/EMS Department.
Second, I want to state that I am confident in the men and women of the Village of Bristol Fire/EMS Department to provide the Village of Paddock Lake residents with quality Fire/EMS services. Additionally, I am confident in the Village of Bristol Fire Chief, Village Administration, and Village Board to responsibly manage the Fire/EMS services in a fiscally responsible manner, provide accurate, detailed and timely reports to VOPL, honor our mutually agreeable agreement, and work cohesively in an honest and transparent manner.
Thank you.”
– Alex Attiah, Village President
Neither Village Administrator Cassandra Hiller nor Village President Rita Bucur responded to a request for comment.
But for many in Salem Lakes, including residents now left with a gaping budget shortfall and a growing list of public relations missteps, the damage may already be done.
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63 Responses
So much for these communities working together. That happens when you bring in a bureaucrat to run a Village. I hear she saved all this money that can’t be verified, but the spending is crazy. The legal cost for this failed deal is probably 10’s of thousands. Thanks Salem Lakes
Rita? Cassandra ?
It was early last year or even further back when Cassandra said in open meetings the dollars she found and saved. Over $400K as I recall
I remember Rita saying she was going to get a tote board to track those dollars.
Regardless of the new budget those dollars are still active year to year savings.
You don’t have to be running for reelection to bring those numbers out for us to see.
Cassandra, you need to chime in here. Just to set the record straight
Don’t hold your breath with those unsubstantiated savings. It was spent, look at the budget, spending at record high.
On OTHER THINGS !!
That’s the point. She saved money that could be better spent elsewhere.
No different than any home budget.
Get a better cheaper phone plan, spend the savings on a new TV.
Seems a bit far for Bristol to cover Paddock Lake?
Depends, we will see. I hear Bristol is thrilled about this new relationship.
Yep- and us Bristol taxpayers will eat the bill. Mike Farrell is not a fiscal conservative. We’ve seen our tax bill skyrocket without any services to justify it. My tax bill is similar to Pleasant Prairie’s without any of the services that the Prairie has….
None of these .gov clowns care one bit about their constituents. They tax and spend freely and tell you it’s just the way it is. Salem Lakes seems to be a mess but believe Popanda is no prize either. Paddock Lake is not becoming a better place. Out of control building as all these town officials dream of turning us into Lake County, Il.
Take you Ray Charles glasses off and look around, many great things are happening in the Village. What do expect when your main road is highway 50. You want horse and buggy and dirt roads. New businesses have moved in; older ones are updating. The Park is beautiful and so is the lake. The new Central School addition and fields, that’s what makes a community. If you don’t like that updating to the Village then it time to move to an area off the beaten path, Problem Solved
You mean all the new development destroying farmland isn’t lowering your tax bill? Hahahahahaha
I wonder what Hartnell is going to say when they have to wait for Bristol, with Salem walking distance down the street?
Or any call in the brand spanking new subdivision south of them. I think Bear is not going to be happy that this neighborhood will not be covered by Salem!
Steve Mills only wants your money
Better SR than some foreign entity
I saw the video of her squeezing out a tear with the DNR, which probably helped her get a favorable deal with the DNR. Maybe a tear would have gotten Paddock Lake to spend an additional 400k. Only a 60-year relationship was ruined. Maybe Hopkins can explain this to the Salem taxpayers. Hey, we lost about a million in revenue between a contract and insurance reimbursement, but we don’t need Paddock Lake. OH, Great, I guess we can go to the swamp by Village Hall and pick from the Money tree that might be growing back there, if they didn’t cut it down.
A very good story, Kevin. The missing piece, of course, is what to do about it. Any answer requires an understanding of fire departments, especially in rural (or once predominantly rural) communities.
To city folk, fire departments put out fires, rescue people and may provide emergency medical services. They are almost all paid professionals. Away from that, fire departments also put out fires, rescue people and provided emergency medical services but they were much larger than that. Not only a source of community pride they were often the preeminent social (and political) organization in the town. Not only a strong sense of pride and volunteerism but also fraternity. The Somers fire station on Highway E once had an impressive full-service bar!
As times change so have demands on these fire departments which struggle to find volunteers, need more expensive equipment and have a revolving door of paid staff that leave for better paying gigs once they get experience. All of this is superimposed on local politics, as Kevin notes.
The answer may be a tough sell: a regional or county-wide fire, rescue and EMS department. People who worked hard to build up their departments legitimately worry about losing identity and local control. And then there are those unwilling to give up their fiefdoms and, of course, the issue of who will be the chief. But it may be the most effective and cost-effective solution.
This department needs a revamping. When carr got hired as interim chief he didn’t have any experience being a chief. His highest ranking in the city of kenosha was captain. He also did not have an ems license. They hired lieutenants without a hiring process. Others who wanted to apply for that position were told to not apply or that they “had other plans” for them”. Which he didn’t.
Agreed. This needs to come with the help of the Town/Village boards as they hold the purse and also our County Executive. This affects everyone West if the I. Everyone needs to take an interest and start having a voice. There is way too much duplication of services and cover ups going on. Do whats best for the community. Consolidate the departments west of the I.
How are consolidated schools working for u?
What consolidated schools? They are all their own entity out here in the county and each have their own boards.
Already done. It’s called Mutual Aid.
Does anyone really think that if Hartnell called for an ambulance that Salem wouldn’t respond ? Or if any of those new houses catch fire, more than one department wouldn’t show up ?
It is a interesting scenario to ponder how the high school is taking this knowing that a ambulance for a teacher or student in need is sitting less than a half mile away on 83 and they have to wait for Bristol to come from downtown on 45.
I would like to think that they would ask Salem to respond in addition to Bristol. Salem can start treatment and let Bristol take the patient to the hospital.
Maybe Salem can then still get paid ?
Did You Know ????
Quote from then Salem Fire Chief James Lejcar.
“They (Paddock Lake) are maxed out on Levy so they are utilizing debt service.” May 2023
Are you Paddock Lake residents aware that your village board is paying part of a monthly expense of Fire Service on long term debt ?
This particular item was negotiated and signed off on years ago by the “old” Salem Board and administration. Even the then Salem Fire Chief was aware of this “shifting” of money.
I questioned this a few years ago (I have the emails) and was told it was completely legitimate. Maybe it is but it is now a bone of contention. This will be part of the “exit bill” Salem will give to Paddock Lake.
Paddock Lake “purchased” a Fire Truck Chassis, not a complete Fire Truck. Then shipped it / gave it to Salem to finish the outfit and put into service in lieu of part of their 12 monthly payments each year for 10 years to get their money back. This chassis is/was valued at $359,415.00
This was because Paddock Lake had a shortfall of money available in their operations budget.
(Salem paid the balance of the $880,000. to finish the truck. $520,585)
Per Paddock Lake meeting agenda May 17, 2023
Look it up !!
Paddock Lake finalized a purchase of a fire truck chassis on 5-17-2023 with long term debt in the amount of $359,415.00.
Per James Lejcar then Salem Fire Chief ;
“They are maxed out on Levy so they are utilizing debt service.”
“Did I answer your questions on the truck? The total price is 880,000 just an fyi. This is a 10year deal.”
The above quotes are from emails I received in May 2023 from then Fire Chief James Lejcar.
PL had “availability” in their long term borrowing so they purchased a half built truck and “gave” it to Salem so they could put part of their Monthly Fire Service Payments onto long term debt.
This is like refinancing your house for ten years to pay for a new car. Maybe it makes sense, maybe it doesn’t.
But the main question is, did you know your village is short on daily money ??
Salem lakes definitely does not have 24/7 paramedic. They run their ambulances with 2 emt basics generally and have a paramedic chase car with normally doesn’t transport to the hospital. They have the emts transport to keep the paramedic in town due to the poor staffing and continous turnover. 6 months after carr took over the employment turn over surged. This activity violates the plan they have with the state.
A further look should be placed into this!!
Your information is woefully incorrect and inaccurate. The fire truck was fully purchased and outfitted by Paddock Lake with 100% of VOPL surplus funds and did not finance the purchase of the truck. Instead the truck was lent to VOSL with interest. Note the truck is 100% owned by VOPL. VOPL didn’t go indebt to purchase and lend the truck to VOSL. I am happy to provide you with anymore information so you don’t have to post misinformation.
Please note my comment was directed to Where To Begin comments
Thanks, Alex for provide the right information. Salem wants to blame PL for a contract they wanted but now hate, too bad. Keep up the good work for the VOPL.
Thank you!
I’ve read all your comments here. Every one.
You tout the great fiscal leadership of the village board. Both current and past. How you are able to fund these projects “out of pocket” instead of going to referendum or raising taxes.
But aren’t these funds that you have available from taxes already ?
Over payments that are put in savings for these road projects ? Parks. Lakes, etc. etc.
Not necessarily a bad thing but, I didn’t know you could have that much money just laying around.
Is that how you were able to come up with $360K to purchase a fire truck ? And by your account, the whole $880K ? All cash ? All paid for ? That’s what you said, isn’t it ? All yours ? You paid for it all ?
You then lend it back to Salem ?
Just happened to have $360.K laying around ?
Or was it $880,000 ?
That said, why hasn’t Paddock Lake built their own fire department after all these years ? 65 years ?
You just bought a truck, didn’t you ?
Was that some of all that “fiscal responsibility” showing ? Realizing that it was cheaper to buy services from the next town over ? Could have built it on 50. East of the sports shop. Or west right next to O’Reillys. Those buildings need to come down anyways, right ? Or even up on K. Pick a corn field. Any corn field.
Even today with your new budget contract with Bristol. Why not just build a fire house ? You could start with just one ambulance. Just for your own residents. And you do have a lot of residents that need ambulances. What do you have now, 3 retirement homes ? Or is it 4 ? And a high school. Wow !! Then maybe a small fire truck. Most of your houses are small anyway. A small cheap fire truck should do the job. If not mutual aid is a radio call away. Salem and Bristol surely will come running. Kansasville too !
Heck, you’ve even got that “new” west side fire hydrant system. You know the ones that were covered up with garbage bags all those years ? The ones you finally forced businesses to connect to because those debts were coming due. The ones PL built for the houses that never got built.
Heck, even the new houses by Hartnell can only happen because you have rights to Salem sewers !!
Seems like Paddock Lake just buys everything. From the lowest bidder.
Well good for you.
That’s called great fiscal management.
Yet more collateral damage from the IL democrat.
Cry your way back to IL Hiller.
How many wildlife animals gave up their home for that F- show? It makes me sick, for a walking path as big as a highway. If the DNR doesn’t crack down on this, what message will that send.
Where was this concern about money and funding when Cassandra oversaw the creation of a “walking path” through a C-1 wetland? Don’t tell me the destruction behind the village hall that looks like something out of the Vietnam war didn’t cost the taxpayer a pretty penny. Make it make sense!
Whether it’s fixed back or continues on to be completed correctly, definitely a waste of time and money. Plenty of other uses of personnel and their time to do other things. Like go around the village and repair the damage caused by the winter snow plowing.
Grass has grown up so far as to hide the damage except for the individual homeowner and there push mowers.
Still waiting
Paddock Lake has No post office or separate zip code like Wilmot, Trevor, Silver Lake or Salem. Paddock Lake gets their mail through Salem.
Heck the post office that just “opened up” in PL is nothing more than an extension of Salems due to Salem needing more space. No retail counter service in PL. Just package drop offs.
You have No Fire Department. No Rescue Squad Service. Remember when all communities around had volunteer fire departments and separate volunteer Rescue Squads ??
You didn’t even have those back then.
No Police Department. But that’s ok because as we have seen in the past, those are problematic on a small scale. I’ll give you a pass on that one.
All Paddock Lake has is a lake and a busy Highway.
But even the businesses on that busy highway 50 find it hard to compete. The couple of hot dog stands that have tried can’t make it. It’s a wonder the pancake house stays open.
The Mexican restaurant too.
I’ve ever heard Scooters was for sale.
Your mill tax rate is higher than Salems.
You need our Sewers !!
And that’s a big one. Those new houses off 83 and BD (75) you are proposing ? Where do you think all that s..t is going to go ? It’s going to Salem. As part of the 2006 “Boundary Agreement” that Paddock Lake signed with the then “Town” of Salem.
That wasn’t so much a boundary agreement as it was a land steal ! Salem was slow to the game of becoming a village. They tried hard for years but each time realized that it would cost more than the taxpayers were willing to pay. Hindsight has proven that wrong but that’s water under the bridge now.
Now that we are a Village, the rules have changed.
Go ahead and beat up on Cassandra. But she’s saved hundreds of thousands of dollars for Salem taxpayers in just her short tenure in Salem. At my last count, more than 3 years worth of her Salary.
Yes you’ve read that right. Cassandra has found and corrected and renegotiated more contracts and procedures to pay for herself 3 times over. It might even be 4 times now.
These new fire numbers to Paddock Lake are another example of her figuring out that we in Salem were not charging enough for the Services we were sending to PL. Sure PL can decide to shop around. That’s fine. But do you really think Bristol is a better product ?
Salem has been reinvesting in our Fire Department since the new board came on just a little over two years ago. Buying and reopening the downtown Salem Fire house was one. That was a long process. Still in motion. Per our fire chief, we are 24/7 for ambulances. Some day we’ll be 24/7 fire too.
But this PL/Bristol change is just going to have to play out. Bristol will see the cost be more than they figured. They will most likely try to renegotiate and get more than a 3% bump each year. Even if the contract holds, watch the renewal in 10 years. See how that goes.
What Paddock Lake needs to do is give up the Village certificate and come back to Salem from where they came all those so many years ago. Maybe then we’ll build a new fire station up there. Just for you.
My reply is to Wannabe Village. Your comments are amusing, laughable and woefully incorrect. It appears you’re sore that the village of paddock lake continues to provide it’s residents with professional, fiscally responsible, and transparent services and serves in the best interests of our residents. Additionally, I don’t hide behind an anonymous heading. As the Village President of Paddock Lake, I’m happy and willfully confront disingenuous commentators and represent and serve at the best interest of Paddock Lake residents
Please Alex, don’t puff your chest out too far. As a long time PL resident I see nothing improving the quality of life here. Unbridled building with no coherent planning. Taxes continue to go up even as we “suffer” from all the wonderful development you love to tout. You care nothing for the existing residents as long as you can sell another building permit.
President says:
May 7, 2025 at 6:56 PM
I am proud to be a village of paddock lake resident and the work the the village staff and board are doing on behalf of it’s residents to improve quality of life and reduce taxes. In the short time I’ve been on the board we have reduced the village tax rate, did so for many previous years and continue to do so, we installed a kayak launch for our disabled and non-disabled residents with donations from both private and charitable organizations, we resurfaced the roadways with a majority of village surplus money, reducing the amount of money the village had to borrow and without increasing property owners taxes and will do so again this year, we have increased police patrols both on the streets and paddock lake, we attracted several businesses to paddock lake that our residents frequent, we recently implemented a sewer rebate program to give money back to our residents, we respect property owner right and though we can legally stop new residential development we can manage to it, we are planning a sports complex/park for residents using money from developers and not resident tax money, the village continues to live within it’s financial means and acts fiscally responsible as the fire/EMS agreement is evidence of, the village supports our local events and charitable organizations and there is so much more. I’m sorry you are not aware of those the things that I listed any many other improvements and benefits the Village of Paddock Lake offers and will continue to do so. I’m happy to meet with you and share more of the improvements and benefits. Feel free to reach out to me.
I’m just here to laugh at the comment that Cassandra saves us money. That’s a big fat lie.
Your are one clueless citizen who has no clue when it comes to fire and rescue. It’s always been when things have gotten bad and out of hand that the citizens had taken an interest. Then it’s too late. This is what happened with Fire and Rescue since Lejcar took over. What Chief Slover did for this department in his 20 plus years, put this Town/Village into the future with a department that was highly respected by departments all over the state. Once Lejcar and Carr got put in the Chief position that neither was close to being qualified for, they put the department back 30 years. And now we also have Mike Keske and Jill Torres appointed into positions that never were posted or went in front of he Police and Fire Commision. This people is illegal, just like many things happening in this Village. The lies and cover ups need to stop. Clean house!!!
Alex, the saving he has pledged Cassandra has saved-, please look at their budget. Wanna be Village you are delusional that she has saved sh*t, already spent. LOOK AT THE-NUMBERS !!!
Just because the overall budget is larger doesn’t mean that those individual savings didn’t then go to pay for other expenses
BINGO!!!! LOOK AT THE NUMBERS!!!!
More spending = bigger government. The only thing growing in SL is Government.
Lots of half truth, no truth and chest thumping here – in the article by interviewees and in the comments.
If two entities, in business together for a generation, cannot come to good terms, why do those who want to consolidate think it will be better as a large district with more than TWO?
Jealousy is also a factor. It was in the 1970s and it is now too.
We all can see that these shared deals, extending over years (the chassis business) is never good, especially if there is depreciation on the principal.
Bad deal then; bad deal now.
The basis for the “fee” increase is wrong. This service is just like roads, sewer base, muni buildings, police, all supported by taxes based on property value. It is the fair way for services used by residents and visitors and businesses.
The day will come when Paddock Lake will cease to exist. Debt will be the primary cause. Arrogance by the players will be the runner up.
I hesitate to ask the Paddock debt, term, rate and the amount compared to operational expenses that the people if Paddock are paying.
I also hesitate to ask the same of Salem Lakes on their highway/fire building to operational expenses.
I don’t hesitate to ask the amount Salem Lakes taxpayers pay to fire/ems for each tax dollar – how many cents to the dollar in their taxes and that same breakdown that Paddock pays to Salem? Are they equal? It has historically been that Paddock paid less than Salem for the same services.
I doubt I will get response from anyone.
I’m happy to respond. The village of paddock lake operates in a fiscally responsible manner and NOT over budget. There is no reason to believe that paddock lake will cease to exist due to your so called debt and arrogance. Paddock Lake’s budget is audited annually by licensed auditors, paddock lake plans and saves for capital improvements and equipment replacement and operate the village in a fiscally business like manner. Regarding your accusation of arrogance may be your misperception of your jealousy.
The writer will not accept this answer as u didn’t answer the question. Maybe u don’t know. I wasn’t interested in this comment until u didn’t answer it. Now my attention is focused on it!
What is the question? Happy to answer it
Apparently you can’t read.
Indulge me. What is the questions
I am proud to be a village of paddock lake resident and the work the the village staff and board are doing on behalf of it’s residents to improve quality of life and reduce taxes. In the short time I’ve been on the board we have reduced the village tax rate, did so for many previous years and continue to do so, we installed a kayak launch for our disabled and non-disabled residents with donations from both private and charitable organizations, we resurfaced the roadways with a majority of village surplus money, reducing the amount of money the village had to borrow and without increasing property owners taxes and will do so again this year, we have increased police patrols both on the streets and paddock lake, we attracted several businesses to paddock lake that our residents frequent, we recently implemented a sewer rebate program to give money back to our residents, we respect property owner right and though we can legally stop new residential development we can manage to it, we are planning a sports complex/park for residents using money from developers and not resident tax money, the village continues to live within it’s financial means and acts fiscally responsible as the fire/EMS agreement is evidence of, the village supports our local events and charitable organizations and there is so much more. I’m sorry you are not aware of those the things that I listed any many other improvements and benefits the Village of Paddock Lake offers and will continue to do so. I’m happy to meet with you and share more of the improvements and benefits. Feel free to reach out to me.
Alex, you’re doing great. Government is working solidly for the people. Tim Popanda plays a huge part in that success. The VOPL is working with what they have, very well. Thank you
Thank you!!
This response is to paddock lake resident for 40 years
You always tout the “tax rate” or mill rate but it’s completely irrelevant when property values are rising rapidly. Fact is, taxes go up. Unless the mill rate decreases at a corresponding rate to the property values are increases, taxes go up. You love to tell all these wonderous things you’re doing. Don’t any of these new developments pay taxes?
It sounds to me that you had an obligation to negotiate with a 60 year relationship and you chose not to. I have no confidence that there is a lot more to this story. It’s become very hard to trust anything coming out of village hall
Sometimes in businesses you need to create revenue through partnerships. Yes, sometimes the tax dollar one pays isn’t enough, this happens with State and Federal budgets everyday. But what is clear, this failure to find compromise may cost Salem 700k-1million in lost revenue from contracts and reimbursements from insurance.
Now what? Is Salem better off? Maybe a step approach could have saved a long relationship, maybe not? But we will now know the negative impacts to Salem budget very soon, strap in.
And now we are at 1million. LORD, the drama grows.
It’s pretty clear none of these people have ever run a business or been in a business relationship
When I refer to the tax rate, I am referring to the mill rate. The village has reduced the villages mill rate several times in recent past year and as recently as 2023. Your taxes are rising because there are other taxing bodies such as the county, schools and library. Your tax increase are NOT due to the village. I’m happy to meet with you to show you the figures and the facts. As the developments occur, again, the village can NOT legally stop the developments, additional tax revenue is generated allowing the village to continue to reduce the mill rate for all property owners.
Regarding the vosl fire/ems agreement. Negotiations occurred over a 12 month period between the two villages. A letter from the VOSL President and board to me and the Paddock Lake Board was very specific and per the article published provided an ultimatum, doubling the cost to paddock lake which would result in a referendum to raise taxes from paddock lake residents to cover the doubled cost. Surely you as a resident of paddock lake concerned about rising taxes wouldn’t be in favor of that..right?
Finally, I would be happy to meet to discuss your lack of confidence in village hall and in hopes to re instill your confidence in village hall.
As a Bristol resident, I’m
NOT happy with this new contract with Paddock Lake to provide them fire and EMS services. It sure seems like they are not paying their share for these services and Bristol residents will suffer slower response times and higher tax bills. Thanks a lot, Mike F and Village Board!!!
Go to a board meeting and ask questions, challenge the board. They can’t read your minds from your lazy boy.
Years ago the Fire Departments in Salem Township were on a mil rate, was a line item on our tax bill. Rescue always had their own deal until the consolidation. It took a few negotiation cycles to get Paddock Lake on the same but in time Salem Volunteer Fire Department was able to get them to agree. Went on like that for awhile until the Township took over the Fire Departments. Seemed back in the day the VOPL and the fire department were always in negotiations though. Guess the Village finally was able to get a different department. Sad though, seemed the Village and Salem Fire Department were always able to make a good deal, even after the consolidation.
It’s sad this relationship couldn’t be made for the better. Many had high hopes with the new board, I guess some things never change. The old board members resentment of PL infected the New members. I guess we will see who was right very soon, budget time right around the corner. Seems like Salem negotiated a deal that couldn’t be accepted. I think this will be bad for both communities.
Did anyone at the Paddock Lake village hall check with the homeowner insurance company’s ?
Insurance rates are calculated on distance to a 24/7 fire house. While Salem is not quite there yet, we’re close. Rates around Salem are expected to come down some once that downtown Salem fire house number 2 is fully operational.
And were any of the retirement homes consulted on this change? Any of those families informed that instead of an ambulance a mile south of Walgreens their loved ones are going to have to wait for one that’s coming from behind the 45 Diner.
And what about Westosha Central ?
Their Rt 83 driveway is merely hundreds of feet from Salems now 24/7 ambulances.
Come January it’s miles away. In the winter no less.
Seriously folks. Were any of these businesses, old people homes and high school told about this ?
If so what did they say ? Did they give their blessings ? Inquiring minds want to know
The response times on average are equal and in the evening faster from Bristol.
Thank you for pointing out, several times in your comment, that the village is fiscally responsible with taxpayer money. The village has lowered taxpayer mill rate, while also saving taxpayer money to fund the purchase of the fire truck and other capital improvements projects and purchases. In turn, the vopl was able to lend the truck to VOSL with interest to earn money on the loan. We are able to do so, because the village is fiscally responsible with taxpayer money.
Regarding funding paddock lakes own fire station and personnel, just one fire truck costs $1M, that doesn’t include the cost of ambulance vehicles, personnel vehicles, equipment and vehicle maintenance , the cost of the building and maintenance, personnel salaries and benefits, equipment costs, personnel gear, etc – all that well exceeding the cost for paddock lake to partner with Bristol and in the past Salem. Significantly raising the cost to paddock lake taxpayer. Would having a paddock lake fire station be fiscally responsible?
Regarding the budget, the village has limited revenue and as you pointed out, spends it wisely and were necessary. Unlike most other communities, paddock lake plans for the fiscal future so that paddock lake doesn’t raise taxes and manages the budget like a business.
The new development – as new developments begin contributing to the tax base paddock lake tax revenue will increase and the village can continue to lower the mill rate for residents.
Paddock Lake’s positive fiscal position is thanks to the past and current board and Village staff for the exceptional work they do to serve the paddock lake residents and community.
Please let me know if you have any other questions. I’m also available to meet in person to discuss further