City OKs JOA with Westside
— Photo by MARY MALONE Sandpoint City Council voted to approve a request by Westside Fire District to merge with Sandpoint and Sagle Fire districts.
SANDPOINT — City Council members voted Wednesday to approve a request by Westside Fire District in Dover to join into a joint powers agreement with Sandpoint and Sagle fire departments.
"I think this is going to be very beneficial, especially in the budget line," said Councilwoman Deb Ruehle before voting yes.
The council also voted to approve a memorandum of understanding to share one-third of costs for the fire chief, assistant chief and executive assistant between Sagle, Sandpoint and Westside fire districts.
"I think it's a great thing for the city and a great thing for Sagle Fire District and the Westside Fire District, being able to provide more services and still have a net savings to each of the organizations," said Selkirk Fire, Rescue and EMS Chief Ron Stocking.
Sandpoint and Sagle fire districts merged on a trial basis in 2014, splitting Stocking's time between the two. The merger became official last year and Selkirk Fire, Rescue and EMS was created. As of the end of June 2016, Sandpoint saved approximately $70,000 and Sagle saved about $45,000 since merging services.
Stocking told council members the MOU with Westside will save the city of Sandpoint an additional $22,314 per year.
Along with saving money, Selkirk will gain an assistant fire chief, a full-time executive assistant, two fire engines, a brush truck, a water tender and 16 volunteer firefighters.
"It's a great addition to the overall system for merged responses in at least this area of Sagle Sandpoint and Westside," Stocking said.