POST FALLS — Kootenai County Fire and Rescue is asking voters to approve a $6 million override levy in November's election.

Interim Chief Pete Holley said the department has been working on strategic budgeting since March.   

“One of our main goals is to maintain staffing. We thankfully have five stations and different resources for each station for emergencies, but it’s hard to predict what’s going to happen in coming years to meet the growing needs of the community,” Holley said. 

If approved, the measure would cost taxpayers about $43.58 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value per year. A home with a taxable value of $400,000 would result in a yearly tax increase of about $175.    

In addition to staffing, the levy will also help the fire department support growth by being able to answer an increasing number of emergency calls and allow the district to preserve emergency response times. Maintaining and updating firefighting equipment, especially fire vehicles, are also an important component of the levy, Holley said. 

Holley said KCFR has avoided asking for levies in the past by being fiscally responsible.  

“We don’t carry any debt we don’t have any loans or liens. In 2021, we asked for a bond to replace a few stations and build a new station, but we’ve never asked for an override levy,” Holley said.  

In recent years, however, state changes have impacted KCFR’s ability to collect tax revenue. 

“It really has limited our ability to have growth pay for growth. Now, our growth can only pay for a percentage,” Holley said.  

The override levy requires two-thirds voter approval. By raising the word now, Holley believes it will pass.

“In order to maintain our fiscal responsibility, we have to go to the taxpayer,” Holley said. “This is going to allow us to plan for years in the future. The state has changed the rules and the taxpayer is going to be able to decide how they spend their money.”  

    Kootenai County Fire and Rescue crew members utilize the terrain and rock-climbing spots at Q’emiln Park for simulated technical rescue of trapped and injured patients. Crews are tested in rough and hard to reach areas.