Westside ducks questions about tax increase

DOVER — The Westside Fire District is holding public workshops to consider increasing its operating budget, but district officials declined on Friday to disclose how much of a tax hike they might seek.

The first workshop is set for 6 p.m. on Tuesday at the district’s Dover station at 825 Railroad Ave. A second workshop is set for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11 at the district’s Wrenco station at 15 Helen Thompson Road.

The district put out a notice stating the workshops are being held to explore the possibility of increasing its budget by raising taxes, but has been unresponsive to inquiries about its plans.

Phone and email messages to Assistant Chief Dale Hopkins yielded no responses. Email messages to district commissioners Will Gadsby and Neal Hewitt were also met without response.

In a post on its website, the district said there has been a dramatic reduction in revenue over the past several years, while daily operating expenses continue to rise. The district notes that it laid off most of its staff because it no longer contracts with Bonner County EMS and the chief’s salary was cut in half but the position remains empty because of a lack of funding.

The district drew criticism in 2011 because it was paying former Chief Mike Tucker an $80,000 annual salary.

The district currently has two paid employees who cover the day shift seven days a week with 10-hour shifts. As a result, those who summon Westside are likely to see only one person respond on most days. The district has a small but dedicated staff of volunteers, but most of them work during the day and are mainly available on weekends and at night.

“While this staffing is not ideal, it is all the current funding will allow. We have increased our recruitment efforts and achieved some success in Laclede and Wrenco areas, but the Dover area continues to be a problem,” the statement read

The district said it is in immediate need of an additional fire engine, brush truck and water tender to fully equip its three stations.

“In order to address these and other issues, the Westside Fire District is exploring the possibility of increasing its operational budget. This means collecting more in tax revenue,” the district’s statement said. “We feel this is a critical step towards ensuring the future financial and operational viability of the district.”