The Barrington Village Board held a packed meeting last night, with a full audience in attendance. One of the key topics on the agenda was a staffing proposal for the Barrington Fire Department, set to take effect on January 1, 2014, when the current agreement with the Barrington & Countryside Fire Protection District (FPD) is set to expire. The *Barrington Courier-Review* recently published an article detailing the new staffing plan and the events that led up to the board's decision.
In a major move to restructure emergency services in the area, the Barrington Village Board voted unanimously on Monday to lay off 19 firefighter-paramedics by year-end. This decision came after the termination of a long-standing intergovernmental agreement that had allowed the village’s fire department and the Barrington Countryside FPD to collaborate over a large area spanning more than 50 square miles.
To cut costs and manage future financial obligations, including insurance and pensions, Barrington has decided to focus exclusively on its five-square-mile territory. Meanwhile, the protection district will continue to serve 46 square miles in surrounding communities, effective January 1, 2014.
The 7-0 vote marked the end of months of heated debate, officially finalizing a plan to reduce the fire department to 19 firefighter-paramedics starting next year. Village President Karen Darch emphasized that while the new staffing model would cost slightly more than minimal staffing, it would ultimately provide better service and enhance public safety.
“This is money well spent if it delivers improved emergency response and increased safety,†Darch said. “In the long run, we are also removing a significant burden from taxpayers—namely, the rising costs of pensions and disability payments for employees who served beyond our community.â€
She pointed out that there was an $80,000 difference in annual costs between the two staffing options. The board chose to maintain 19 firefighters, which meant 19 layoffs.
Fire Chief Jim Arie highlighted the benefits of the new plan, particularly in terms of emergency medical services (EMS). “With this setup, we can respond faster to medical emergencies by sending a second ambulance directly from our station, rather than relying on distant units,†he explained. “This reduces response times and improves our ability to handle overlapping calls.â€
Before the vote, several residents and stakeholders voiced strong opposition, urging the board to reconsider. Char McLear, a retired assistant fire chief, criticized the decision as politically motivated and self-serving. “This is not about fiscal responsibility—it’s about politics,†she said. “I’m deeply upset by what I see as an irresponsible decision that will have lasting consequences for our community.â€
In response, the protection district has expressed interest in hiring some of the laid-off personnel through Paramedic Services of Illinois (PSI), a private company. However, those hired by PSI may lose access to their current pension benefits.
Darch also noted that keeping 18 firefighters would exceed the 2014 budget by around $80,000. While the extra two staff members would offer more flexibility, the board opted for the 19-person model.
The department will now operate out of Fire Station 1, with three shifts each managed by a dedicated shift commander.
Discussions about the separation began in 2012 due to disagreements over hiring and equipment purchases. Despite the changes, the fire department will still maintain automatic aid agreements with the Lake Zurich Fire Department, Palatine Rural Fire Protection District, and Long Grove Fire Protection District. It will also remain part of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System, a long-standing regional cooperation effort.
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