The public will support a general obligation bond for the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, according to the results of a recent survey.

Of 1,637 respondents, nearly 80% said they would support a bond measure to pay for remodeling a fire station, improving others and replacing aging fire trucks. 

When asked if they would support the improvements through an increase in property taxes, about 60% said yes. About 70% said an annual tax impact of $17 per $100,000 of property value was “acceptable” for an investment in EMS and fire services. 

More than 80% gave the fire department a “positive” or “very positive” grade and more than 90% said it was important to maintain and improve fire services. 

“We’re excited to see the results,” said Fire Chief Tom Greif on Friday. 

Greif said the findings provide a positive sign that should the City Council approve sending a 10-year general obligation bond to voters in May, it will get the required super majority to pass. 

“It gives us confidence,” he said. 

The survey was conducted by Zions Public Finances and Portman Square Group between Jan. 16 and Feb. 6. Its purpose was to evaluate the community’s understanding of the fire department’s needs, gauge support for proposed improvements to the fire department and measure community backing for a bond measure to fund improvements.  

The online survey was distributed via text, other digital channels, and through community partnerships. About 15,000 surveys were delivered to “reliable city voters.” Of the 1,637 responses, 1,062 were completed and 575 were partially completed. 

Ninety-nine percent of respondents were registered voters. Forty-four percent were age 65 or older, 70% have lived in Coeur d’Alene for more than 10 years and 47% were Republicans.

The department is looking at needs that include a new fire engine, ladder truck, command vehicles, the update and expansion of several stations and perhaps even rebuilding one. 

Under a $16.4 million bond, a home with a taxable value of $428,577 after the exemption would have a projected cost to a homeowner of $72.92 a year, or $6.08 a month.  

If the bond were $14 million, it would cost about $62.32, or $5.19 a month. 

Greif said the bond amount has not been determined. It will be higher than 10 years ago due to inflation and other rising costs. For example, a $580,000 fire engine in 2015 would now be closer to $1.2 million. A $1.4 million ladder truck 10 years ago would be about $2.2 million today.

A rebuild of Station No. 2, built in 1992 and one of the busiest stations, is estimated at $6 million. 

Greif said survey indicated many residents were not aware of the fire department’s needs but were supportive once the needs were explained. 

The survey results will be presented to the City Council on Tuesday.