The Village of Lake Zurich has placed a bond referendum on the November 2026 ballot to fund the replacement of the Lake Zurich Fire Department’s fire station (Station 1) at a new location.

A bond measure allows local governments like the Village of Lake Zurich to borrow money to fund capital improvements, including building or updating fire stations. If approved by voters, the bonds are repaid over time through property taxes and can only be used for the projects outlined in the proposal.

The Village has placed a $20.3 million bond measure on the November 3, 2026 ballot.

Replacing the station is expected to:Improve emergency response efficiencyProtect firefighter health, safety, and wellnessReduce ongoing infrastructure maintenance, lowering long-term repair costsProvide more energy-efficient building systems, reducing operating costsStrengthen firefighter recruitment and retentionEnhance ADA accessibilityProvide spaces for community training and engagementEnsure effective service for decades to comeProtect property values

The new location is expected to improve response coverage and support efficient response times throughout the Village, contributing to enhanced overall public safety.

The Lake Zurich Fire Department’s primary fire station was built in 1980, at a time when today’s safety standards, equipment needs, and health protections did not exist. Since then, the building has experienced repeated flooding and water damage, aging building systems, and layout limitations that make it difficult to safely separate emergency equipment, living spaces, and public areas.While the Fire Department continues to provide high‑quality emergency services, the station requires ongoing repairs and workarounds, and many of its limitations cannot be resolved through renovation due to the building’s configuration and site constraints.Replacing the fire station would allow the Village to address these longstanding issues and provide a modern, safe, and efficient facility that supports firefighters, protects public safety, and is built to serve the community for decades to come.

The existing Lake Zurich Fire Department station faces significant infrastructure, safety, and operational challenges due to its age and site constraints. Key issues include:Flooding and drainage problems, as stormwater from surrounding properties flows toward the station, causing repeated water intrusionDeteriorating floor drains and plumbing in apparatus areas, leading to standing water and ongoing maintenance issuesRoof leaks and structural wear, requiring a non‑structural rain roof to manage water infiltrationLack of insulation, resulting in inefficient heating and the use of space heaters in work and living areasAging electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems, with frequent overloads due to modern equipment demandsOutdated technology and limited IT capacity caused by the building’s original design and configurationNon‑compliance with ADA standards, including no elevator access to the training room and limited public accessibilityNo separation between clean and contaminated areas, increasing health and safety risks for firefightersInadequate living quarters, including open bunk rooms, limited privacy, insufficient space for staffing needs, and lack of dedicated female locker and restroom facilities Limited security, with public access directly into administrative, living, and apparatus areasInadequate space for equipment storage and maintenance, with vehicles, tools and equipment that weren’t envisioned in 1980 when the existing station was built.Many of these issues cannot be fully addressed through renovation due to the building’s layout and site limitations.

The current station is constrained by both its size and site conditions. Studies show that stormwater and grading problems cannot be fully corrected on the existing site, and the building was not designed to support major expansion or an additional floor. Renovation would not resolve long‑term operational, safety, and space limitations and would still leave the Fire Department with an outdated facility.

Over the past several years, the Village has taken several steps to evaluate the condition of the existing fire station and explore long‑term options. These efforts include reviewing facility conditions, evaluating operational and space needs, studying potential sites, completing environmental assessments, and beginning early design and financial planning.This work has been focused on understanding existing challenges, identifying feasible options, and developing information that residents can review before any decision is made. Planning is ongoing, and no final decisions have been reached.

Yes. The Village owns 4 acres of land at the northwest corner of Route 22 and South Old Rand Road, across the street from the Ace Hardware, that meets the criteria identified in a comprehensive fire station site suitability study that was conducted.

The Village has placed a $20.3 million bond measure on the November 3, 2026 ballot.

The estimated annual tax impact of the proposed 20-year, $20.3 million bond measure is $195, or about $16 a month, for a home with a fair market value of $450,000. A tax calculator is available on the Village’s website.

The Village's general fund, comprised of property and sales taxes is the main funding source for operational costs. Lake Zurich, like most communities are unable to "save up" $20M and pay for a building up front. Over time, the cost of construction grow more rapidly than money set aside for new station. Public safety facilities are typically financed over 20 years, just as Lake Zurich's police station was voter-approved in built in 2020 and paid off in 2020.

The Village of Lake Zurich staffs and operates the Lake Zurich Fire Department. The Lake Zurich Rural Fire Protection District owns three additional fire stations. Fire and emergency services are provided through an intergovernmental agreement in which the Village provides personnel, equipment, and operations, and the rural district helps funds those services.

The department serves approximately 20,000 residents within Lake Zurich, along with roughly 18,000 residents in surrounding areas.

Approximately 14–15 firefighter/paramedics are assigned to Station 1, with three shifts of three firefighters per shift plus a shift commander and additional staff.

All registered voters who reside within the Village of Lake Zurich will be eligible to vote

Yes. If the referendum is approved, the Village would provide regular updates on spending and project progress through its website, social media, and other existing communications channels.