Bigfork Fire Department has brought three previously part-time firefighters on full-time following the passage of a mill levy request in September.

Bigfork Fire hired Firefighter/Paramedic Dakota Walsh, Firefighter/EMT Spenser Ryan and Firefighter/EMT Patrick Wallen. All three previously worked part-time, helping to cover shift vacancies and providing extra support during the summer.  

The hires bring staffing up to four crew members per shift, which will improve the department’s ability to handle multiple calls at the same time and provide a more robust response to critical events, according to the department. 

Hiring additional officers was at the top of the to-do list for Bigfork Fire officials following the approval of the mill levy and bond, which district voters approved on Sept. 9.  

The mill levy passed with 59% voting in support. The 20-year bond passed as well, with 54% voting in favor. 

The mill levy includes the 2025-26 tax year, and the department will receive the first funds in December, according to Bigfork Fire Public Information Officer Al Benitez.   

The levy will generate $1.2 million in its first year, which will go toward hiring six additional firefighters. Funds will also be used for raising firefighter pay, training, and replacing outdated equipment and vehicles.   

The $15 million bond to build a new fire station increases property taxes by $19.84 per $100,000 taxable value a year, $59.51 per $300,000 taxable value a year, or $136.77 per $600,000 taxable value annually.  

The permanent mill levy will generate $20.62 per $100,000 of a home’s taxable value annually. A home with a $600,000 taxable value will pay $142.16 annually.