BOISE, Idaho — Several fire districts in southern Idaho are going back to the voters this November for levy increase. That includes Star Fire Protection District, Middleton Rural Fire District and Rock Creek Fire District in Kimberly.
Star/Middle Chief Greg Timinski said they would use the money from the permanent levy to staff new stations in both cities in hopes of improving response times.
"We try to keep our response times at five minutes or less, and every year we're increasing our response times by over a minute because we're having a lot of growth," he said.
The stations are being built or remodeled using impact fees, Timinski said.
"Building over the last 10 years has not gotten less expensive," he said. "While we have the money ... [we're] trying to get the station built, and then we'll be able to work on getting a levy increase or getting legislation fixed so we can get proper funding."
Middleton property owners would pay roughly $61.72 per $100,000 taxable assessed value, while Star property owners would pay $44.79 per $100,000.
Property owners in Twin Falls and Cassia counties would pay $82 per $100,000 each year for two years.
"Just like the Treasure Valley, the Magic Valley is seeing some pretty rapid growth," Rock Creek Chief Aaron Zent said. "Potentially, if this levy doesn't pass, we'll be looking at reduction in services and potentially reduction in force."
He said the district needs more staff to deal with the number of calls. Their nine firefighters divided between three shifts are on pace to respond to more than 1,600 calls this year.
They also need the money to replace aging fire apparatus and do station repairs, Zent said.
All three districts tried to pass similar levies in May and failed. Zent said trying again is their only option outside of changes to the state's funding model if they want to adequately serve their community.
"Our growth continues to outpace the income that we have," he said.
Legislation passed in 2021 hamstrung districts' finances, leaving them with no choice but to ask taxpayers for help if they want to keep up with demand, Timinski said.
"We're not trying to get rich," he said. "We're not trying to do anything. We just want to grow with the community, like our budget used to do."
If you want to learn more about the levies for Star and Middleton, the districts are hosting several classes throughout the month educating the community about property taxes and the districts' budgets.
Classes
- Oct. 19 at 11665 W. State Street, Star in the morning
- 6 p.m. Oct. 22 302 Main St, Middleton
- Oct. 23 11665 W. State Street, Star in the afternoon
Since it is permanent, the Star and Middleton levies need 66% of the vote to pass. The amount taxpayers pay would likely decrease each year as more people move to the area.
Rock Creek's levy needs to pass with a simple majority — 50% plus one vote.
Zent said voters in Twin and Cassia counties should reach out to the district or stop by the station if they have any questions.