EDITORIAL: Fire department bond deserves support

The Coeur d’Alene Fire Department is about to make a big ask of city taxpayers: Approve a general obligation bond in May, likely around $16 million, to fund new fire trucks, command vehicles, gear, equipment, and perhaps even a station rebuild. This is no small sum, and property taxes will rise if it passes. In fact, it will cost property owners more than the $6 million bond approved in 2015 to fund police and fire department improvements.

But make no mistake, this bond is an investment in the safety of our community. And it’s an investment that we should make. If Fire Chief Tom Greif says that new equipment, vehicles and updated fire stations are essential to protect homes and battle blazes, we trust his judgment.

Coeur d’Alene is a city that knows how to manage its budget responsibly. Our City Council is diligent, never frivolous with taxpayer dollars, but always willing to make the necessary requests for the public good. This is one of those times. Whether it’s battling house fires, responding to medical emergencies, or handling the unpredictable threat of wildfires, our firefighters must have reliable equipment and facilities to protect our lives and homes.

Consider what’s happening in California, where devastating wildfires have underscored the importance of being prepared. While we may not face the same catastrophic conditions here, we know that our summers can be just as dry, and the threat of wildfires is real. When that day comes, we want our firefighters to be ready, equipped, and capable of stopping the flames in their tracks. To do anything less would be reckless.

Here’s a glimpse of what this bond might cost taxpayers:

For a home valued at $426,980 after the homeowner’s exemption, property owners currently pay $30.95 per year for the 2015 bond. With a $16.4 million bond, that homeowner would pay $72.92 annually. If the bond is closer to $14 million, the cost would be about $62.32 per year.

Why the increase? Because the cost of fire trucks, vehicles, and gear has more than doubled in the last decade. A fire engine that cost $580,000 in 2015 would now be closer to $1.2 million. A ladder truck that once cost $1.4 million now carries a price tag of $2.2 million. Command vehicles that cost $62,500 a decade ago are now priced at $100,000. Even a rebuild of Station No. 2, one of the busiest stations in the city, will require about $6 million. These numbers are substantial, but they are also reasonable. This is the cost of keeping our community safe.

A survey to gauge community support for the bond is underway, with over 15,000 text messages sent to registered voters. The survey is being shared by local organizations like North Idaho College and the Coeur d’Alene School District. To be meaningful, the survey needs at least 400 responses, and results will be presented to the City Council on Feb. 18.

We hope the results will reflect strong community support for the general obligation bond. This bond is a worthy investment in that future. It deserves our support.