With four ballot measures across the county, voters took to the polls to make their voices heard on distinct city issues Tuesday.

Those in Sandpoint and Ponderay made their opinions loud and clear by passing the city’s measures by significant margins, 89% and 77% respectfully. In Sandpoint, 1,749 people voted in favor of the city’s $130 million wastewater treatment bond, which will help fund a complete renovation of the plant. 

“My general reaction was gratitude and appreciation for the trust and recognition that the residents of Sandpoint displayed in that vote,” Sandpoint Mayor Jeremy Grimm said. “The 89% margin was unexpected, arguably one of the highest approvals ratings for a bond measure anywhere that I’m familiar with.” 

Grimm thanked city staff for spreading information about the bond and the needs of the wastewater treatment plant to residents. Now that the bond has passed, the Sandpoint mayor said the city will immediately begin pursuing grants at the state and federal level. 

In Ponderay, 122 residents overwhelmingly approved a 1% local option tax that will be in place for 10 years and fund city projects like the Field of Dreams and lakeshore access. The city will put $500,000 of the revenue toward road infrastructure and create a $2 million endowment for the Field of Dreams. 

“I would like to thank the voters of Ponderay who came out and supported their city continuing on with the projects we have started together by passing this local option tax again,” Ponderay Mayor Steve Geiger said. “My favorite part is we’ve also committed to an endowment fund that will reach $2 million for the future maintenance of the field of dreams and parks in our city.” 

Geiger said that the city will now begin planning for these improvements, which he said could include a permanent home for the ice rinks and baseball fields at the Field of Dreams. 

The two permanent override levies from East Hope and the Northside Fire District failed to meet the required 66.7% threshold. The levy from the fire district, which aimed to double the district’s budget to maintain current staffing levels, did eke out a slim majority of 784 yes votes or 50.91% to 756 no votes or 49.09%. 

In a statement posted to Facebook, Northside Fire Chief Jeff Armstrong said that he respected the community’s decision and will move forward to ensure the county has adequate fire protection. 

“While many feel defeated, for me, this signals the next step and provides us with a baseline of sustainability,” Armstrong said. “It also solidifies the direction we are headed, where the small fire districts of Bonner County, who struggle with resources, must continue to work together, building stronger operational capabilities, sharing resources, and saving taxpayer funds.” 

Armstrong said he will be meeting with the Northside Fire commissioners at 9 a.m. Thursday morning at a public meeting to discuss the next steps of the district. Armstrong said it will be his recommendation that the district reduces career staffing to a sustainable level and that Northside joins the Selkirk join powers agreement. 

“To our firefighters who face an uncertain future, and job loss, I am very sorry,” Armstrong said. “You are excellent firefighters who have served the community with dedication and honor during uncertain times and without much support.” 

In East Hope, voters rejected a permanent levy that would have raised $30,000 for street maintenance. There were only 35 yes votes or 36.84% compared to 60 no votes or 63.16%.