Firefighters in the Northern Lakes Fire District are voluntarily giving up salary increases this year to help preserve jobs for 21 colleagues amid a critical tax levy vote, according to reporting from bonnercountydailybee.com. The decision reflects a broader effort by the union and district leadership to maintain full staffing across the region’s three active stations while facing budget constraints.
The proposed levy would generate $4.5 million over two years to fund salaries, equipment maintenance, and firehouse operations. If voters approve the measure, all personnel will retain their positions, though raises will be delayed until future budget cycles. Should the levy fail, approximately one-third of the workforce faces layoffs, and remaining staff would receive no raise.
Budget Reviews Prompt Union Action
Budget reviews conducted in June revealed that implementing scheduled raises would significantly reduce the district’s operational capacity by forcing cuts to personnel numbers. In response, union representatives engaged in discussions with district officials during mid-to-late August to determine a sustainable financial path forward.
The average proposed raise was approximately $3,200 per employee, totaling roughly $200,000 across the workforce. By forgoing these increases, firefighters aim to stabilize the budget without reducing headcount. This compromise allows the district to avoid immediate layoffs while maintaining service levels for residents.
“If the decision was made to selfishly take a raise at the expense of someone else’s job, that was not something that anyone was interested in doing,” International Association of Fire Fighters Local 4045 Vice President Christian Aagesen told the Bonner County Daily Bee.
Operational Impact of Staffing Cuts
The Northern Lakes Fire District covers 108 square miles and responds to approximately 7,000 calls annually. During peak periods, the district may handle more than 50 calls within a 48-hour window. Reducing staffing levels would increase response times and create safety hazards for both firefighters and citizens.
With fewer personnel available, wildfires that could otherwise be contained with full resources might escalate into uncontrolled blazes. Additionally, the district provides ambulance and emergency medical services, meaning any loss of trained members could compromise critical care delivery in the region.
Losing experienced staff also poses long-term risks for the district. Trained firefighters who leave due to layoffs may not return if positions are later reinstated, resulting in permanent gaps in expertise and readiness.
Tax Levy Details
The proposed levy adds $5.99 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value, bringing the total tax rate to $99.26 per $100,000 after implementation. This increase is intended to support ongoing operations and prevent further reductions in service quality.
“We’re just asking for what we need,” Northern Lakes Fire District Fire Chief Kevin Croffoot said.
Cost-Saving Measures
In addition to deferring raises, the district has implemented other cost-saving measures. Firefighters have been sent to training programs focused on repairing breathing apparatuses and sewing uniforms, reducing reliance on external vendors for equipment maintenance and uniform production.
Station Expansion Plans
The district currently operates three stations located in Hayden, Rathdrum, and at Coeur d’Alene Airport. A fourth station under construction in Garwood is expected to open in 2027. However, if the levy fails, the new facility would remain empty due to insufficient funding for staffing.
The outcome of the upcoming vote will determine whether the Northern Lakes Fire District can sustain its current level of service or face significant reductions in personnel and capabilities. For residents concerned about public safety, the stakes are high as the community weighs the cost of increased taxes against the potential loss of essential emergency services.