POST FALLS — Voters in the Kootenai County Fire and Rescue service district will decide on a two-year levy override May 19. 

The measure would authorize the district to collect up to $5.2 million per year for two years beginning in the fiscal year starting Oct. 1. 

The money would support staffing, equipment and operational needs to maintain services across the district.

"We strive to listen to the community we serve, and that feedback helped inform the proposal voters will see on the May ballot," said Fire Chief Pete Holley.

This levy requires a simple majority to pass.

The estimated average annual cost to taxpayers would be $37.77 per $100,000 of taxable assessed property value.

KCFR operates under a state law that generally limits property tax budget growth to 3% per year. The temporary levy would allow the district to supplement that base budget.

“Recent community outreach helped clarify what residents want from us,” Holley said.

KCFR's $6 million permanent override levy failed in November, receiving 5,971 yes votes (62%) to 3,697 no votes (38%). It required two-thirds of the vote to pass. 

Holley believes a two-year levy has a good chance of approval.

“People understand our core fire and EMS services, but they also want clearer information about the full range of services we provide, how those services are funded and what this measure would mean for taxpayers," he said. "We also heard that many residents were more open to a temporary levy than a permanent one. 

The issue will go to voters May 19. If approved, the temporary levy would apply to the district’s budgets for fiscal years beginning Oct.1 and ending Sept. 30, 2028.