Fire commissioners on the ballot

Some of today’s hottest election races are not between candidates seeking to be a mayor or city council member. They are for commissioners’ seats in several fire protection districts.

There is a three-way race for one seat on the board of fire commissioners in Kootenai County Fire and Rescue’s Sub District 3. Andy Boyle, Richard Nordstrom and Jeff Populus are vying for that spot.

Commissioners’ seats are also up for grabs in the Spirit Lake and Timberlake fire protection districts.

What makes these positions so appealing?

“I get a sense that people really want to help and make a difference,” said Northern Lakes Fire District Chief Pat Riley.

Riley, who has been chief for two years and with Northern Lakes for 25 years, said from what he has seen, being a fire commissioner is a challenging job that may seem thankless at times.

But it’s an important responsibility, he said.

“They are the ultimate authority responsible for the taxpayers’ dollars and the public’s safety,” Riley said. “I commend anyone who wants to step up and take a leadership role.”

Fire commissioners are paid for their service, but the salary is minimal. Idaho Code allows commissioners to be compensated no more than $75 per day when performing district business.

The law also says commissioners may participate in the district’s employee benefit package in the same manner as employees or volunteers.

The commissioners in the Spirit Lake Fire District agreed several years ago to accept just $60 per meeting, and while they are all eligible for health insurance and other benefits, none of the current Spirit Lake fire commissioners accepts those additional benefits.

Kootenai County Fire and Rescue commissioners are paid $75 per meeting, not to exceed $75 per day. KCFR commissioners also each receive a cellphone stipend of $45 per month, and all commissioners participate in the fire district’s health insurance plan. The commissioners do not contribute to the health insurance premium for themselves, but pay $20 per month if they request coverage for a spouse. KCFR commissioners are also covered under PERSI, the Public Employee Retirement system of Idaho, with an employer contribution of 11.32 percent of their gross wages.

Timberlake Fire Commissioners are also paid $75 per day, as allowed by law, and they also receive PERSI benefits. Timberlake commissioners do not participate in the fire district’s health insurance plan.