By HEATHER McDONALD

Village of Park Ridge residents voted nearly two to one at the polls Tuesday to keep their fire department, but whether the board will follow that voice has yet to be decided.

“I see three things,” Village President Trish Baker said: “There is not a lot of support for a new building, expanding our facilities, and the added expense that this option entails. I also see a very large group that is interested in the least expensive option possible …. Lastly, I also see a large group that wants the village to engage in further discussions with the city.

“The goal of the advisory referendum was met – now the board will process that information,” she said. “Many more opinions will undoubtedly come forward between now and our March meeting.”

The village board’s next regular meeting is March 19.

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