Northern Lakes to try fire levy again
<p>JEROME A. POLLOS/Press Northern Lakes firefighters Chris Larson, second from right, and Jarrod Pitts remove their protective equipment Wednesday after a demonstration for Vicki Wilson, second from left, as Div. Chief Mike Mathers, left, and Chief Dean Marcus discuss the costs associated with the gear firefighters use. The demonstration was part of a educational tour for the public to learn why the fire department is requesting the $1.6 million permanent override levy.</p>
HAYDEN - If Northern Lakes Fire District patrons believe the agency's $1.6 million permanent override levy proposal on Nov. 6 sounds familiar, it is.
It's just that the district believes the levy is so critical for maintaining the level of service that it deserves another shot with more voters expected to head to the polls than in May when the proposal was overwhelmingly turned down.
"Northern Lakes is once again asking for the same levy increase due to the work that went into its planning," said Dean Marcus, chief for the district, which includes Hayden, Hayden Lake, Rathdrum, Twin Lakes and Garwood.
"There are no extras in the proposed 15-year strategic plan and every cent of the proposed levy is designated for use."
To the owner of a $200,000 home with a homeowner's exemption, approval would mean a $64 annual increase in taxes or $5.25 per month based on today's property values. A super majority (67 percent) is needed for the proposal to pass.
District officials believe the general election will offer the chance to have the opinion voiced by the majority of the constituents that the primary in May didn't allow.
The funding would allow the district to implement a 15-year plan to construct a third station north of Hayden in four to six years, provide staffing for the site, improve an existing training facility and provide vehicle and equipment replacement programs that currently don't exist. The current station in the Garwood area on Hudlow Road can't be used for a manned station. The plan calls for adding three personnel per year until a total of 12 are on board to staff the new station.
The levy funding would not go toward salary increases.
Marcus said that, as call volumes go up, response time will take longer, especially if the levy isn't approved.
"Our records indicate approximately 20 percent of the time, our crews from both stations (in Hayden and Rathdrum) are on simultaneous calls," he said, adding that neighboring agencies are called upon often. "This can be a life safety issue especially with cardiac, stroke, motor vehicle collisions and fire calls to name a few."
Marcus said if the strategic plan isn't funded, NLFD will consider consolidating with other agencies, which will likely cost taxpayers more than the plan and without as many benefits. The plan was developed by an independent firm, not the district.
He said if the vehicle and equipment replacement plan isn't funded, there will be higher spending in the long run due to repair and maintenance.
"The monies used for repair and replacement when necessary will reduce monies available in other areas causing a negative domino effect in the areas of equipment, facilities and personnel," Marcus said.
He said not passing the levy may also have a negative effect on the district's ability to maintain or improve its Idaho Survey and Rating Bureau (ISRB) rating that is a factor in determining insurance costs.
The district's rating is currently a 4, "which is very low and good for taxpayers," Marcus said.
While the district has had tax increases - agencies are allowed to bump taxes up to 3 percent per year under law - May was the first time that Northern Lakes went to voters to ask for a levy hike since the district formed 11 years ago. During that time, the district has had a 159 percent increase in calls for service and a 49 percent increase in population.
The last time Rathdrum voters had been pitched a fire levy was 1996, when it had its own rural department, and the last time Hayden voters were floated a proposal was 1991.
If the levy is approved, Northern Lakes' budget would be increased from $4.84 million to $6.45 million. Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, which is comparable in size to Northern Lakes, has a budget of $7.67 million.
Northern Lakes' new station in Rathdrum didn't increase taxes. It was funded with a grant, money that had been saved to improve the facility and a land donation from BNSF Railway.
District officials said a limited number of people have attended informational meetings on the levy and a public/media tour of the facilities on Wednesday.
The next meeting is on Wednesday from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Rathdrum station at 13876 W. Highway 53.
For more information, call 772-5711 or visit www.northernlakesfire.com.