“Serve others at whatever cost.” That’s the quote that North Bench Fire District features on its Facebook page. 

However, board members say that mission is becoming increasingly difficult to fulfill due to inadequate funding. As a result, they warned that within the next few years, it could mean district residents will have to start paying taxes to keep the fire district alive. 

That’s because NBFD relies almost entirely on funding from dues from district members. According to treasurer Edna Runyan, there are roughly 3,000 parcels of land in the district — yet fewer than 50% of residents pay their annual dues. Currently, dues are $145 a year, but that will rise to $175 next year.  

The dues function much as an insurance-based system, NBFD officials said. Members who pay dues are not charged for any of the services North Bench may provide in an emergency. Those who don’t pay may be charged the full cost of service. 

Jim Hill, the board’s president, said there are multiple reasons why some opt against paying the yearly dues. 

“Some people just say, ‘Why should I pay, it’s unlikely I’m going to have a fire,’” Hill said. “Statistically, that’s true. But some of our residents found out to their chagrin that there is a possibility that you will have a fire. We’ve had to bill them for the full cost of service, which is significant.”    

NBFD’s budget performance report shows about $200,000 in total revenue for the year to date, with grants and donations comprising about $20,000 of that amount.  

Expenses have totaled nearly $220,000, not including a $40,000 purchase of a 1998 fire truck earlier this year. Currently, board members say the fire district has approximately $78,000 in funds. 

“At our current rate of spending, we can survive until the next general election in about a year and a half from now,” Hill said. “Beyond that, we can’t provide the level of service that we’re providing now, which is minimal.” 

If dues continue at their current level, board members stated that a vote will need to be taken to determine whether North Bench should become a taxing district, which would allow it to impose property taxes instead of relying on dues.  

If voters reject that proposal, the district could face bankruptcy, which would force it to close. This would leave the Boundary County Sheriff’s Department to oversee fire operations in the area, according to board members.

Board members say that in that scenario, North Bench would be absorbed into a different fire district, likely South Boundary Fire District or Paradise Valley Fire District, both of which are taxing districts.  

The maximum rate a taxing district can impose is .24% of each parcel’s market value.  

“Our assessed value for all the properties within our district is $684 million,” vice president Casey West said. “If we were to levy that max tax rate, we’d receive more than $1.6 million.” 

Hill said that funding shortages have already impacted operations. 

“There was a period about eight months ago when, had there been a serious fire event, we couldn't have responded to it because our apparatus wasn't functional,” Hill said. “It's very expensive to maintain vehicles. All of our vehicles are old.” 

Baker said maintenance costs add up quickly. 

“There's a constant maintenance cost that people don't realize,” Baker said. “Vehicles need an oil change and all this stuff maintenance wise.”  

The district currently operates three fire stations and 13 apparatuses. 

Born and raised in the North Bench area, West said he hoped to maintain the fire district’s role in the community. 

“I know what this district has been and what it meant to everyone back then,” West said. “I’d like it to remain the same. We’re not asking for all this elaborate stuff to happen here. Our only duty here is to make sure that when you call, we get there.” 

Hill added that safety is always the district’s top priority. 

“But that involves doing it safely, which means that your vehicles have tires that meet standards, that the equipment is functional, that people have proper protective gear,” Hill said. 

What happens next will be up to residents of North Bench. 

“It’s up to the members, the people that reside in this district, who would have to vote in an election to do anything differently,” Hill said.