The Northern Lakes Fire District is asking voters to approve a $2 million permanent override levy on Nov. 2.

“I don’t like ever having to ask our citizens to pay more, but I’m confident when they hear the message they will understand the need,” said Pat Riley, Northern Lakes Fire District fire chief.

The funds would go toward 12 firefighters/EMTs and two support staff for a new fire station that would be built with capital reserve funds, between Hayden and Rathdrum.

Riley said Tuesday it would improve response times and allow firefighters to keep up with an increasing number of service calls.

He said when the district formed in 2000 it received about 670 calls a year. Today, it receives about 5,500 calls at stations in Hayden and Rathdrum and is trending toward 6,500 by next year.

“We are not able to keep up with the demand for service,” he said.

The levy proposal requires 66 2/3 support to pass. If it fails, Riley said it could mean delays in service and longer response times.

The increase would cost taxpayers about $30 per $100,000 of their property’s assessed value annually. The monthly cost for the proposed levy would be about $10.30 based on a home value of $400,000, according to a press release.

Voters rejected a Northern Lakes Fire District override levy proposal of $850,000 twice in 2019, first in May, and again in November. That one would have added add six firefighter/EMTs so a third facility in the district could be built.

A $1.2 million permanent override levy was rejected in 2018.

Northern Lakes Fire District also proposed a $1.6 million permanent override levy twice in 2012, in May and November, but voters rejected both.

Riley believes they will have success this time.

He said the district heard voters’ message to do more with less, which it has.

But the increasing number of calls due to a rising population is straining resources and staffing.

"The NLFD has operated with the same number of fire stations, engine companies, and ambulances since its formation in 2000.

“Over that period, the NLFD has had no additional increase in funding above the maximum allowed 3%,” a press release said. “Yet, during the same period, the NLFD has experienced a 700% increase in responses and a nearly 300% increase in the population served.”

The district covers about 108 square miles of lakes, mountains, prairies and growing cities like Hayden, Rathdrum and Twin Lakes, with a combined population of more than 60,000 residents.

It staffs two fire engines and two advanced life support ambulances with 12 firefighters/EMTs. They respond to structure and wildland fires, medical calls, vehicle crashes, hazardous material spills and ice rescues.

Riley said they have a tentative agreement for two areas for a third fire station.

“This levy is not for buying land,” he said.

The district budgets 1% every year toward capital equipment and facilities and plans to build a third station with capital reserve funds.

Riley said he would not support building a third station until the district has the people to staff it.

“It’s not my job to save taxpayers money but to spend it responsibly,” he said.