Section 295.10  Purpose

 

The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) shall administer a program to provide grant funds to groups of registered voters to defray the expenses of organizing a new fire protection district.  The grant shall not exceed $500 and that group of registered voters shall not be eligible for another such grant for 2 years.

 

Section 295.20  Grant Application Procedure and Required Supporting Documentation

 

a)         Application Procedure

 

1)         The attorney or individual of record for the group of registered voters shall submit a letter to OSFM requesting the grant.

 

2)         The letter shall be sent to: Office of the State Fire Marshal, Attention:  Fire Protection District Grant, 1035 Stevenson Drive, Springfield, Illinois 62703-4259.

 

b)         Content of Letter and Supporting Documentation

Each letter shall include the following information:

 

1)         Information identifying the proposed fire protection district (e.g., legal description of the territory, any corporate documents, etc.).

 

2)         Contact information of an individual representing the group of registered voters.

 

3)         The grant sum requested, not to exceed $500.

 

4)         Copies of invoices for services associated with the formation of the new fire protection district.

 

5)         Party to whom the check should be addressed.

 

Section 295.30  Terms and Conditions of Grant

 

a)         Grants under this program will be paid to recipients when the request is approved.

 

b)         Grant proceeds shall be used exclusively for the expenses of organizing a new fire protection district.

 

c)         In the event that the grant is not expended in the manner approved, the recipient, upon written notification from OSFM, shall refund the full amount of the grant award.  Recovery of grant funds shall be accomplished in accordance with the Illinois Grant Funds Recovery Act [30 ILCS 705].