Support fire levies and vote for prevention

By Diana Dawson
Reader Staff

If an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, then it is especially true with fire prevention. On Tuesday, May 20, voters in the Northside, Sagle and Westside fire districts have an opportunity to make an investment in prevention. For a good return on investment, fire prevention is at the top of the list. This is not a vote to miss.

As we all know fire destroys human and animal life, private property and the land that surrounds us. It has no mercy. This does not mean we should panic, but instead focus on prevention. We are fortunate that we have had excellent leadership in our fire districts and do not suffer from inefficient expenditures or bloated administration. In fact, our fire districts and their fire fighters have done much with little. 

While growth, inflation, drought and loss of volunteers has skyrocketed, the fire districts have dealt with budgetary constraints limited to a 3% increase by Idaho code. Consider this:

• Growth in North Idaho has brought an estimated 16% increase in the last decade and with it increases in fire calls; 

• Fire volunteers have decreased due to the young leaving Idaho and to a lack of support by some employers;

• Inflation has increased the cost of equipment — a fire engine that used to cost $600,000 is now over $1 million;

• Drought is an ongoing issue and the fuel on the ground continues to increase.

Chief Jeff Armstrong, who leads the Northside, Sagle and Westside districts, has maximized efficiencies — and we are fortunate to have his leadership. However, efficiencies can only do so much. To protect life and property we sometimes need to make more financial investment. Further, while voters are debating whether we want to invest more tax dollars for fire prevention, the insurance companies are conducting their own evaluations.

If they determine our fire districts have fallen below their standards, our insurance ratings are in peril. That means increased rates or — even worse — cancellations of insurance policies. 

The insurance industry calculates our insurance bills based on an assessment of risk. It factors in specifics like fire station distances, equipment and staffing. Many voters have already had insurance problems. Let’s stop kicking the can down the road and pass the fire levies. 

If you are a voter who lives in a fire district with a levy, please educate yourself and vote. Levy information is available at any of the fire district websites or go to:

northidahovoterservices.org. Links to all websites are on the fire page.

Let’s be clear, we are going to pay for fire one way or another. Let’s support the fire levies and protect life and property with prevention not wait for a disaster. 

Vote “yes,” on May 20 for fire levies in the Northside, Sagle and Westside fire districts. 

Diana Dawson retired to North Idaho after selling her marketing company and founded North Idaho Voter Services in 2018. She holds degrees in political science and an MBA.