Northside Fire seeks levy override

 PONDERAY — The Northside Fire District will be asking for a $1.5 million tax levy override when its patrons head to the polls in the May 17 primary election, according to Bonner County election records.

If approved by voters, the district's $428,098 levy would increase by equal installments of $358,922 over the next three years to pay for the cost of operations, paid full-time staff who would work on a 24/7 basis and upgrades to district facilities. The work includes remodeling work at the district's satellite station in Samuels, said Chief Brad Mitton.

“It's mainly manpower and some equipment upgrades,” said Mitton.

Northside Fire District covers an area of approximately 115 square miles in the northern and western portions of the county. About 10,000 people live within the fire district, and many more pass through every day as they travel on U.S. Highway 95 and Highway 200 or visit the many businesses located in and around Ponderay.

The district started in 1961 as a fire association and has grown as the area became more populous over the years. The district currently consists of a full-time chief and assistant chief, 23 volunteers, three fire commissioners, four stations and 14 apparatuses.

In addition to fire protection, Northside provides EMS response, vehicle extrications, technical rescue and fire-prevention programs.

The district sought a levy for similar purposes 2010, although the measure did not pass.