SAGLE, Idaho — The Sagle and Westside Fire Districts want community volunteers to help decide whether new developments should pay extra fees to fund fire department equipment and facilities.
Impact fees are one-time charges imposed by local governments on new developments to help fund the costs of public services needed to support new growth. The fees ensure new developments pay their fair share of costs associated with growth rather than burdening existing taxpayers.
According to Selkirk Fire, Idaho impact fee funds are strictly regulated and cannot be used for staffing or replacement of current equipment.
“The funds can only be used for new fire engines in new fire stations or new equipment that doesn’t replace current equipment,” said Selkirk Fire Chief Jeff Armstrong.
Fire Chief Armstrong said the districts are years behind in addressing the fire needs in Bonner County.
In May, the district failed to pass a levy that would have provided significant funding for both Sagle and Westside Fire Districts. After the failure, the district closed Careywood Fire Station.
“These funds cannot help us with the shortfalls we currently have, nor can they make up for the recently proposed levy,” Chief Armstrong said. “It is my hope that we can explore [impact fees] together, have some great discussions, and set up future generations of firefighters for success.”
To explore this initiative, the Fire Chief is establishing a Development Impact Fee Advisory Committee (DIFAC). The committee will play a significant role in advising local governments on matters related to development impact fees and a Capital Improvement Plan.
The DIFAC must be made up of at least five members with at least two members from the development community and at least two from outside the development community who are not employees or officials of a government entity. Each member must live within the district they represent on the DIFAC.
Community members interested in serving on the committee can email Fire Chief Armstrong at jarmstrong@selkirkfire.us.
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