Bonner County property owners living in Sagle, Westside and Northside fire districts are being asked to vote May 20 on their respective fire levies, a proposed budget increase that will have lasting impacts on residents no matter the outcome.  

Each levy proposal is aimed to improve response times, meet increased demand due to population growth and protect homeowners insurance rates by using funds for new equipment, facility repairs and additional staff for fire response.  

If the levies pass, residents will see an increase in their annual property tax rate. The proposed taxes would increase anywhere from 39% to 190.7% depending on property location.  

“In the fire service, we're about 20 years behind where we need to be when it comes to staffing and equipment,” said Selkirk Fire, Rescue EMS Chief Jeff Armstrong, who heads all three districts, told the Daily Bee in January. “If we can't look at increasing our funding, we are not going to be able to operate at the current level we're operating at.”  

Each levy requires 66 2/3% approval from voters to pass.  

If the levy fails, Armstrong has said the districts will scale operations to provide the best possible service with the funds available.  

“You can be sure your firefighters will provide excellent service with the resources provided,” said Armstrong. 

Armstrong is adamant about sharing the facts about the levy, while respecting the voice of the community.   

“I am not asking the individual voter to support or oppose the levy. I understand it is often hard to separate policy from politics, but I have no agenda other than to provide you with solid data, and excellent service, with the resources you provide. In the end, I will support whatever decision the voters make,” he wrote in a letter published in the Daily Bee on March 20.  

Voting on a levy that can impact the community comes with a big responsibility. When voting, it’s important to do your own research and take advantage of opportunities that provide information about the levy on the voting ballot.  

“The only request I have is to be an informed voter and to do your own research, then make the decision that is right for you and your family,” said Armstrong. “I want them (voters) to feel empowered to walk in and vote no, but I don’t want them (voters) to vote no because they didn’t understand.” 

Northside Fire District will hold an open house May 17 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Northside Fire District Station 1 where the public is encouraged to attend and ask questions about the upcoming levy. Additionally, on May 19, there will be a fire district town hall for all districts from 5-7 p.m. at the Sandpoint Library where the public is also free to attend and ask questions.  

Selkirk Fire Chief Jeff Armstrong told The Daily Bee his intentions of helping residents make informed decisions at the polls.  

Levy information

Sagle Fire District

In Sagle Fire District, voters will choose to approve or deny a $750,000 increase to the agency's property tax revenue. The district's current budget stands at $1,873,470; if residents approve the levy override request, the agency will take in $2,623,470 in tax revenue annually. Based on current conditions, property owners would pay about $122 per $100,000 in taxable assessed value each year, a $34 increase from the current rate.  

According to a Sagle Fire District allocation document, the district is expected to see a $750,000 yearly increase — $362,449 increase for wages, $162,551 for employee expenses such as benefits and $225,000 towards facility maintenance and engine replacement savings.  

If approved, the increased levy would provide a minimum level of staffing of two firefighters/EMTs at the Careywood Station.  

Additionally, its funds would allow the district to repair and maintain facilities.  

The levy would also provide a rotating five-year capital investment for a new fire engine. 

Westside Fire District

In Westside Fire District, voters will choose to approve or deny a $810,358 tax revenue increase for a total proposed levy amount of $1,380,819. The district’s current budget stands at $577,461. If approved, property owners would pay $122 per $100,000 in taxable assessed value each year, a $71 increase.  

According to a Westside Fire District allocation document, the district is expected to see a $810,358 yearly increase — $492,719 increase for wages, $167,639 for employee expenses such as benefits and $150,000 towards engine replacement savings.  

If the levy override is approved, staffing at Wrenco fire station would increase from one to three staff on a permanent, 24/7 basis.  

The levy would also provide a rotating five-year capital investment for a new fire engine.  

Northside Fire District

In Northside Fire District, voters will choose to approve or deny a $1,245,812 tax revenue increase for a total proposed levy amount of $1,898,933. The current budget for the district stands at $653,121. If approved, property owners would pay $61 per $100,000 in taxable assessed value each year, a $41 increase.

According to a fact sheet by Northside Fire, the district is expected to see a $1,135,784 increase in expenses — $885,784 for an increase in benefits and wages, $150,000 increase for apparatus replacements and a $100,000 increase for maintenance and operations.   

If approved by voters, the increased tax amount would allow for the fire district to increase staffing to three firefighters/EMTs at Station 1 in Ponderay on a permanent, 24/7 basis.  

Additionally, it would allow for two staff to be stationed at Station 4 at Samuels Road on a permanent, 24/7 basis.