BONNER COUNTY, Idaho — North Idaho voters will soon decide whether or not to increase funding to two fire districts in Bonner County.
Selkirk Fire Rescue & EMS provides firefighting and emergency services to the Sagle and Westside fire districts.
On Tuesday, Fire Chief Jeff Armstrong announced the plan to propose a levy covering both fire districts on the May ballot.
“Like everyone we are impacted by increased costs for goods, services and equipment,” Armstrong said. “This funding shortfall, along with aging fire engines and facility needs, directly impacts our future and the ability to provide services at the current level.”
The levy, if approved, would fund Sagle Fire District with an increase in property taxes by $34 per $100,000 per year, for a new total of $122 per $100,000 of value.
For Westside Fire District, the approved levy would increase property taxes by $71 per $100,000 per year, for a new total of $122 per $100,000 of value.
The levy would be considered new for Sagle Fire District, and a ‘levy override’ for Westside Fire District, meaning it would be permanent.
If approved, the levy would end the practice of having one firefighter on an engine, add two additional paid firefighters each day for both districts, enhance the volunteer program and create savings accounts for both districts’ needs.
“While we continue to see the benefits of mutual aid and working together in the Selkirk Fire JPA, each district must be able to function and operate independently, while funding its level of service,” Armstrong said.
The vote will take place on May 20, 2025.
For more information on the levy, click here or visit selkirkfire.us/levy
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