Lincoln County commissioners approved the West Kootenai Rural Fire District on Sept. 2, but it’ll be months before the new property tax kicks in.

The district’s creation marks a victory for the West Kootenai Fire Protection Company, a nonprofit fire service that has relied on donations and grants for 20 years to fund its operations. A rural fire district will be a source of financial security for the fire department and open additional grant opportunities.  

“Thank you to all commissioners for your work on this project and for your support,” said West Kootenai Fire Board President Justin Burich. “We really appreciate it.” 

Now that the rural fire district has been approved, the county will form a board of trustees to govern it. Applications for trustee positions will be accepted until Sept. 23.  

Commissioners are expected to appoint five trustees by the end of October, said Clerk and Recorder Corrina Brown. Once the board is established, trustees will draft and adopt a set of bylaws for the district and prepare an annual budget. 

NEARLY THREE months have passed since the West Kootenai Fire Board submitted its petition to the county to create the district. The signed petition — filed on June 12 — represented 45.99% of property owners, and roughly 49.11% of taxable property value, which is well above the 40% statutory threshold.  

But the process restarted in late July, after county officials failed to notify all registered voters of the first public hearing on July 15. A second public hearing was held in August.  

Commissioner Noel Duram congratulated West Kootenai Fire on its successful petition at the Sept. 2 meeting.  

“I think it’s a step forward,” Duram said. “It’s important for the people to have a surety.” 

Report for America Reporter Hannah Shields can be reached at 406-758-4439 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.