SANDPOINT — The Westside Fire District announced plans Tuesday to run an override levy on the May 19 ballot to address critical funding issues.

The Westside Fire board voted 3-0 at a recent meeting to place the measure before voters.

The levy, which amounts to $380,000 per year, would add three firefighters — one per shift so that Westside can go from one firefighter on duty to two per shift. The levy would be a permanent override levy, Westside Fire Chief Jeff Armstrong said.

The levy would add $24 per $100,000 of assessed value per year for a total of $67 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value based on current conditions.

Based on feedback from the community, Armstrong said the board voted to lower the amount of the levy, removed the capital funds — the amount requested for a fire engine — and just on the additional firefighters.

"Other factors have had an impact on our budget and the ability to continue to provide services," Armstrong said in a press release. "Increased calls, older fire engines costing more to repair, a decline in volunteers, and inflation far exceeding the budget growth, have created an insurmountable challenge for the district and its’ leadership."

The levy follows the defeat of a similar levy in 2025 when voters turned down a $810,358 levy request that would have added firefighters and helped fund new equipment such as a fire engine. However, 402 residents voted against the 2025 proposal compared to 339 for the levy.

Westside Fire officials invited the public to be involved in the future of the fire district and learn what the levy means for the future of the fire district. They invited residents in the Westside Fire District to attend fire commissioner meetings, held on the second Wednesday of each month. The meetings are held at 8 a.m. at 825 Railroad Ave., Dover. 

Residents are also encouraged to attend upcoming meetings and town halls to discuss the district needs. Locations and times will be announced on the fire district's social media channels.