Bonner EMS setting up Sagle station

SAGLE — Bonner County EMS is moving forward with a plan to establish its own station in Sagle.

County commissioners approved on Tuesday a lease agreement that will station two medics in a mobile home at the corner of Shop Road and U.S. Highway 95.

“This is to house crews until we get a permanent housing solution in the Sagle area,” Bonner EMS Chief Bob Bussey told commissioners.

The rent for the temporary quarters is $450 per month and utilities are anticipated to be in the neighborhood of $100 per month. The mobile home is located beneath the electronic billboard on the west side of the highway.

The county elected in April not to renew its $85,000 contract with Selkirk Fire Rescue & EMS. Commissioners contended the county could save money by providing its own service in Sagle rather than contracting with Selkirk.

“At the termination of the contract, we save $85,000 a year,” said Commissioner Todd Sudick, who added that the county will also save mileage reimbursement costs it was paying to Selkirk.

The county’s decision came as Selkirk requested an additional $65,000 to staff its Careywood station and trim response times in southern Bonner County. It also coincides with the fusing of the Sandpoint Fire Department and the Sagle Fire District to create Selkirk Fire.

Ron Stocking, Selkirk’s chief, reserved comment on the county’s plans to establish a presence in the Sagle area.