Manhattan Fire Trustees Approve 2026 Budget and Tax Levy; Workers’ Comp Costs Jump 20%

December 24, 2025/

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Manhattan Fire Protection District Meeting | Nov. 17, 2025

Article Summary: The Manhattan Fire Protection District Board of Trustees adopted its budget and tax levy for the upcoming year while grappling with a significant increase in insurance costs. The board unanimously approved the fiscal measures following a public hearing.

Manhattan Fire District Financial Key Points:

Fiscal Approval: Trustees adopted Ordinance 2025-05 for the 2026 budget and Ordinance 2025-04 for the 2025 tax levy.
Insurance Spike: The renewal for IPRF workers’ compensation insurance increased by approximately 20%, bringing the annual cost to $320,000.
Bond Abatement: The board approved the abatement of taxes levied to pay for the Series 2025 General Obligation Bonds.

The Manhattan Fire Protection District Board of Trustees on Monday, November 17, 2025, solidified the district’s financial path for the coming year, approving key budget ordinances and addressing rising insurance premiums.

During the meeting at Fire Station #81, the board held a public hearing regarding the 2026 Budget and Appropriations. With no objections raised by the public, the hearing lasted only one minute before closing. Trustees subsequently voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance 2025-05, establishing the budget for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026.

The board also moved unanimously to adopt Ordinance 2025-04 for the levying and assessing of taxes for the 2025 tax year. Additionally, the trustees passed Ordinance 2025-06, which abates the tax levied to pay debt service on the district’s General Obligation Bonds, Series 2025.

A significant financial expenditure addressed during the meeting was the renewal of the district’s workers’ compensation coverage through the IPRF. The renewal rate increased by approximately 20%, raising the annual cost to $320,000. Trustee Larry Goodwin made the motion to approve the renewal, which was seconded by Trustee Nick Kotchou and passed unanimously.

Accountant James Howard presented the 10-month financial analysis, noting that the district has collected 91% of its budgeted revenue.

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