KOOTENAI COUNTY, Idaho — Voters have rejected a $6 million levy for Kootenai County Fire and Rescue. The fire district says services are now at risk.
“To say service as we know it today is in jeopardy would be a real statement,” said Fire Chief Pete Holley.
The levy would have maintained quick response times and kept the district fully staffed with firefighters and paramedics. Now the fire district must review its budget and operations.
“All the different programs and all the different specialties and how many stations we have and response times, all of that has to be evaluated and some of that is going to be potentially at risk,” Holley said.
Residents who supported the levy are concerned.
“There’s been a few moments where we’ve had fire trucks in the neighborhood. If that’s cut, what are we going to do?” said Kent Jameson who lives in Kootenai County.
“In rural areas, there’s going to be a big problem. Or out on the prairie where all that growth is, there’s going to be a big problem,” said Michelle Lippert, who lives in Kootenai County.
Those who voted against the levy cited the tax increase. It would have cost the average homeowner around $170 per year. One woman said voters are feeling especially strained right now.
Chief Holley says the district faces challenges with inflation, county growth, and state law that limits budget growth to 3 percent per year.
“We need to involve our community, figure out why, what is going to be palatable to the community if anything,” Holley said.
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