New Lenox Fire District Pays Off Final Loan, Secures $75,000 State Grant

New Lenox Fire Protection District Meeting | August 2025

Article Summary: The New Lenox Fire Protection District has achieved a significant financial milestone by making the final payment on its last outstanding loan, rendering the district debt-free. The board also announced the receipt of a $75,000 state grant, secured with the help of a former trustee, which was used for a district-wide alerting system.

Fire District Finances Key Points:

• The district made the final payment on its last loan, as announced by Fire Chief Adam Riegel.

• A $75,000 grant from State Senator Hastings has been officially received.

• Former Trustee Minger was instrumental in helping the district secure the grant funding.

• The grant money was used for a comprehensive station alerting system that was installed in 2019.

The New Lenox Fire Protection District is in a strong financial position after paying off its final outstanding loan and securing a major state grant, the Board of Trustees learned on Monday, August 18, 2025.

Fire Chief Adam Riegel announced during his report that the district had made the final payment on its last loan, a significant development that leaves the fire district entirely debt-free. The elimination of this long-term liability frees up financial resources and strengthens the district’s balance sheet for future capital needs.

In addition to the debt payoff, Riegel reported the district has officially received a $75,000 grant from State Senator Hastings. He credited former Trustee Minger for being “instrumental in helping the district secure” the state funds. The grant was allocated for a critical infrastructure upgrade—a district-wide station alerting system that was completed in 2019. The system enhances the security and communication capabilities across the district’s fire stations, improving response times and firefighter safety.

The board also received and approved the treasurer’s report for July 2025. The district began the month with a balance of over $10.2 million and, after receipts of $468,555 and disbursements of approximately $1.17 million, ended July with a cash balance of $9.53 million. As of the meeting date, cash on deposit stood at nearly $9 million. The board unanimously approved the report and the payment of bills for the month.