Lakewood, Ill., officials say they would be better off forming their own fire department rather than pay higher taxes to contract fire service from nearby Crystal Lake, Ill. Crystal Lake wants Lakewood to pay as much as city residents pay for the service, so last week the Lakewood City Council announced that it was considering building a fire station for the city and contracting with a private company to staff it, according to the Chicago Tribune. Crystal Lake officials say Lakewood is risking the safety of its residents so it can save money, but Lakewood officials say it is a business decision.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-0610230100oct23,1,7365041.story?coll=chi-newslocal-hed