HAYDEN, Idaho — The Northern Lakes Fire District (NLFD) announced the levy initiative to help sustain and expand critical emergency services.
According to a press release, the temporary levy increase will allow the district to continue its progress in reducing response times, improving safety for the firefighters, and ensuring the community receives the highest level of fire and emergency medical services.
Here are some details of the levy:
- Proposed levy increase -- $3.5 million added to the base budget
- Current levy rate -- $62 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value
- Proposed levy rate -- $94 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value based on current conditions
- Previous levy rate ask (2021) -- $125 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value
- Duration -- temporary two-year override (with the potential of voter conversion to a permanent levy)
If the levy is approved, it will result in a tax of $94 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value per year based on current conditions. The proposed levy will replace the existing levy which will expire on September 30, 2025. The existing levy currently costs $62 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value.
If the proposed levy is approved, the tax per $100,000 of taxable assessed value is expected to increase by $32. This will lead to the new rate of $94 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value. The new proposed levy would expire on September 30, 2027.
According to a press release, a home valued at $543,000 in Kootenai County, after applying the $125,000 homeowner exemption based on current conditions:
- Current levy cost -- $21.62 per month ($259.16 per year)
- Proposed levy cost -- $32.77 per month ($393.32 per year)
- The difference -- an increase of $11.15 per month ($134.16 per year)
What is the purpose of the new levy?
According to the Northern Lakes Fire District, the main goal of the proposed levy is to retain the 12 firefighters and paramedics funded by the SAFER grant, which has "significantly bolstered the district's ability to respond to emergencies." The positions are vital to maintaining current staff levels, as well as the third station currently located at the airport. It also will ensure the new fire station in Garwood remains operational after it opens.
Here are the levy specifics:
- Retain 12 SAFER-funded firefighters and paramedics
- Maintain a third engine company (it is essential for providing advanced life support as well as fire response across the district)
- Staff the new Garwood Fire Station
- Add eight additional firefighters (due to increasing population)
- Hire additional administrative personnel (to support the expanded workforce and operations)
Notable accomplishments since the SAFER grant positions:
- Reduction in response times
- Decreased reliance on mutual aid
- Increased CPR saves
- Reduced fire losses
- Improved vehicle maintenance
Here are the challenges that will come without the levy:
- Layoffs of 12 firefighters (reducing coverage in areas such as Hayden and Rathdrum)
- Closure of the new Garwood Fire Station (the $4 million station will not be staffed)
- Increased homeowner insurance costs (reduced training hours could negatively impact the district's ISRB rating)
- Cuts to public programs (vital community programs may face budget cuts, which impacts education and public safety)
Background on growth and demand:
- Call volume -- the district's call volume has nearly doubled from 3,243 in 2005 to 6,036 in 2023
- Population increase -- the population served by the district has grown by 50% from 24,000 in 2005 to 36,000 in 2023, which stretches resources
- Staffing evolution -- the district has increased the number of firefighters from 29 in 2005 to 51 in 2023, all while maintaining fiscal responsibility without having to increase taxes
According to NLFD, the levy is not just focused on maintaining current operations, but it is about ensuring that NLFD can continue to protect the community with the highest standards of service.
The community is invited to join the upcoming town hall meetings and regular commission meetings at W 125 Hayden Ave, Hayden, ID, 83835, every second and fourth Thursday of the month at 10 a.m.