One levy, one purpose: serving our community.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the Spirit Lake Fire Protection District and the levy you will see on the November 2024 ballot.

Located within the City of Spirit Lake, Idaho, the Spirit Lake Fire Protection District was formed in 1978. Over the years, the District expanded from a small volunteer fire district to its present status staffed by paid personnel. The District provides fire and medical emergency services to a population of 15,751 in the town of Spirit Lake and surrounding areas, the town of Blanchard, and the communities of Spirit Lake East, Stoneridge, Hoodoo Valley, and Spirit Valley. The District’s boundaries cover over 120 square miles in both Kootenai and Bonner County.

The District’s goal is to provide efficient and effective fire and emergency medical services to our community. This includes structure and wildland fires, medical response, motor vehicle accidents, trauma, and other calls for service. Efficient and effective emergency response requires adequately trained and equipped first responders as well as adequate and operational apparatus and equipment. The District currently has nine (9) full-time Firefighter/EMTs staffing one station in Spirit Lake 24/7.

SLFPD GROWTH 2020-2023

Current Status

The District’s annual operating budget, mainly funded by property taxes and EMS service system contract revenue, is insufficient to support the operational needs of the District. Statutory limitation on annual operating budget increases have reduced allocations for taxes on new construction and inflationary cost increases, paired with significant population growth and development of previously rural areas has created a budget shortfall. The District’s current annual operating budget cannot sustain the inflated operating costs and staffing needs.

Spirit Lake Fire Protection District (SLFPD) has experienced a population growth of over 60% since 2021 and recent historical growth patterns suggest continued growth. An increase in fire and medical emergencies, local and commuter traffic, and more buildings necessitate the need for more firefighter/EMT personnel to continue optimal response times and maintain public safety standards.

In 2022, SLPFD implemented development impact fees that are assessed on all new construction. Impact fees are restricted funds and can only be used to fund capital improvements, like apparatus and facilities, with at least a ten-year life cycle. Impact fees cannot be used for replacing current apparatus or stations, or annual operating expenses, such as personnel, equipment, firefighter protective gear, and general overhead costs. As of July 2024, the District has received over $326,000.00 in impact fees which have been used to purchase a new Fire Chief vehicle and to fund a new fire engine.

Proposed 2024 Levy Override Information

In an effort to achieve operational goals for fire and emergency medical services throughout the community, the Spirit Lake Fire Protection District Board of Commissioners approved placing a permanent levy override on the November 5, 2024, ballot. The levy override, subject to approval by two-thirds (66.67%) of voters, would add $477,000.00 to the District’s annual operating budget. 

The levy override would provide funding for:

• 3 additional Firefighter/EMTs to allow for two crews to be on duty each 48-hour shift set

• Establishing a sound vehicle and equipment replacement plan by replacing aging rescue and communication equipment, apparatus, and personal protective equipment

• Maintaining current operations and improving response times as the District continues to grow

• Increasing firefighter retention by providing competitive wages

Levy History and Estimated Cost of Proposed Levy Override to Taxpayers

SLFPD’s levy rate has decreased significantly since 2016, from $127.34 in 2016 down to $49.46 in 2023 per $100,000.00 of taxable property value.

Based on current conditions (total 2024 net taxable value in the District), the estimated annual cost of the proposed override increase to homeowners is $24.62 ($2.05/month) per $100,000.00 of taxable assessed value after the homeowner’s exemption (owner-occupied homes are eligible for a homeowner’s exemption of 50% up to a maximum of $125,000.00).

Use the Levy Tax Calculator below to calculate the estimated impact of the levy override on your property taxes.

To find your home’s assessed value, you may search for your property on the Kootenai County Assessor’s website (if you live in Kootenai County) or on the Bonner County GIS website (if you live in Bonner County).

Want to learn more about the levy override proposal or have questions that have not been answered? Join us for one of our townhall meetings below.

Questions? Please contact Chief Debbie Carpenter at chief@spiritlakefire.com.