BONNERS FERRY — The North Bench Volunteer Fire District is reaching a turning point on how it collects membership fees.

Among the options is the creation of a taxing district to ensure all members pay their share. The current option is voluntary payment by district residents. However, fewer than 50% of district residents pay their membership fee.

That is not enough to continue district operations and fund ongoing needs, NBVFD officials said.

"Budget review and consideration of district needs has painted a clear picture: We are nearing a turning point in the way the district collects funding to remain operational," board members said.

To update district residents on the issue as well as garner input on how to address it, a town hall is planned for 6:30 p.m. Sept. 15 at Station 1, 64464 U.S. 2.

A lack of voluntary membership funding has failed to meet the district's needs for decades, NBVFD board members said.

"It is not a stable means of funding that can be counted on and has consistently failed to keep up with the growth of our district," board members said.

While "historically unpopular," a taxing district is shaping up to be the logical option, ensuring all residents and businesses pay their fair share. Other options, should the membership fail to agree on a tax-based funding option, would leave district residents and businesses open to skyrocketing insurance rates should there be no fire service coverage, or a possible takeover from a neighboring tax district that would implement that district's tax rates.

"We are in control of our future, for now," board president Jim Hill, and vice president Casey West said in a statement. "This decision and what happens in the near future is up to our membership."

The town hall will allow the board and NBVFD officials to share the latest information, details on various options and field questions. Hill and West said the board's main responsibility is to "ensure the district maintains the funding necessary to provide emergency services with the highest capabilities, professionalism, and dependability."

The pair said that the reality is that finances surrounding the district, its growth, and proper upkeep of its assets and personnel, have not been a top priority.

"Failure to address consistent budgetary shortfalls has created an 'end of the rope' situation," Hill and West said.

The board encouraged district residents to attend the town hall, noting they will make the ultimate decision on what to do, which would then be carried out by the board.

Information on a potential taxing district is preliminary, and board members said they will continue to obtain additional information concerning the formation of a taxing district over the coming months.

"We look forward to engaging with you at the town hall meeting, and taking your input, questions and suggestions."