PONDERAY — The Northside Fire District will be heading to voters to seek approval for a two-year levy to give the district time to find a more long-term solution while maintaining current staffing levels.

The fire district's board voted 3-0 at a recent meeting to approve a resolution to put the temporary levy before voters May 19.

"Following two failed ballot measures in 2025 for a permanent levy, this is being proposed as a two-year temporary levy based on feedback from the community," Northside Fire Chief Jeff Armstrong said in a press release announcing the ballot measure. "The amount has not changed. It reflects the budget that will allow operations to continue at our current level of service and does not include increased staffing."

The estimated cost to the taxpayers of the proposed levy is $21 for every $100,000 of taxable assessed value per year, based on current conditions. The dollar amount estimated to be collected each year from the levy is $689,112. If the proposed levy is approved, the tax rate per $100,000 of taxable assessed value is expected to increase by an additional $21 — totaling $41 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value.

Northside Fire officials said the temporary levy would give the fire district some budget relief, allowing leadership to explore long-term plans, alternative funding and other ways to maintain the current service levels. While the recent sales of some assets, including land and fire engines from outlying stations, have provided temporary budget relief, officials said it won’t last long.

"Without financial relief or alternative programs that will bring in revenue, the current level of staffing is not sustainable," Armstrong said.

A number of factors have created an ongoing challenge for the district and its leadership, the fire chief said. Among them: increased demand for services, aging fire engines costing more to repair, a decline in volunteers and inflation far exceeding the 3% annual increase allowed by statute without voter approval.

Alternative plans are being explored, Armstrong added.

Voters rejected a permanent levy in May 2025, defeating the measure by a vote of 1,059 to 559. Two other fire district measures also failed: In Sagle, a similar levy was rejected by a vote of 1,253 to 741; and in the Westside Fire District, voters rejected it by a vote of 402 to 339.

Each levy proposal aimed to improve response times, meet increased demand due to population growth and protect homeowners' insurance rates by using funds for new equipment, facility repairs and additional staff for fire response.

Northside Fire officials invited the public to remain engaged as the fire district works to find viable solutions. Among the options are attending Northside Fire commissioner meetings at 437 Cedar Ave. in Ponderay, held the third Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m., as well as upcoming meetings and town halls to discuss district needs. Locations and times will be announced on the fire district's social media channels.