Post Falls Growth Warrants Two New Fire Stations

On Tuesday, the Post Falls Fire District will ask patrons for their “yes” vote to build two new fire stations.

At this time there is only one fire station located on Idaho Street serving the entire Post Falls area. One new station will be located at Pleasant View and Seltice Way. The other new station will be at 16th and Highway 41.

Last year the insurance rating class in the city of Post Falls was revised from a Class 6 to a Class 4. This rating reflects the risk that insurance companies place on an area. This improved rating was due to a joint effort by the city of Post Falls and the fire district.

Increased water supply such as from fire hydrants and due to the purchase of two more fire engines are just two examples that contributed to this improved rating. The result is a significant annual savings in insurance premiums for homeowner’s insurance.

While everyone appreciated this improved rating, our community continues to grow. Along with the growth comes increased demand for fire and emergency services. In 1999, our department responded to an average of 70 calls per month. This year we are responding to an average of 104 calls per month.

An increase in traffic is another element of growth we are facing. It is becoming increasingly difficult to get emergency equipment through the traffic congestion from the existing fire station on Idaho Street.

According to the Insurance Services Office, travel distance between fire stations within the city limits is limited to 1 miles. This has the potential to jeopardize our rating as Post Falls expands and the surrounding area continues to grow.

Placing these fire stations at these two locations will allow for easy access for quick and efficient responses throughout Post Falls. These stations also will reduce travel distance to areas outside city limits, therefore improving ratings in those areas as well.

The two new stations will be a modest design that is attractive and distinctive looking, and designed with the future of our community in mind. There will be sleeping quarters that will allow for a residency program.

Each station will have a community room that can be used for Scout meetings, church functions, civic organizations and more. There will be enough room to house a fire engine, brush truck, ambulance and ladder truck if needed.

The bond levy for the new fire stations is for $2 million and will be repaid over a period of 10 years. This will assure a good interest rate for favorable building conditions at this time. The $2 million as approved by fire district commissioners will build the two stations and provide at least partial funding for one more engine needed to make all stations fully functional.

The bond issue will raise homeowner’s tax rate by 26 cents per $1,000 of taxable market value. Keep in mind that taxable market value is not market value. Taxable value is determined by subtracting the homeowner’s exemption form the assessed value of the home.

Furnishings for the fire stations are not included in the bond levy. The architect has provided a list of gift-inkind items that can be donated to help cover these costs. Donations of these items are tax deductible.

For more information, call 676-8739 or drop by the district office at 5225 E. Seltice Way.

This sidebar appeared with the story: THE EXPLAINER

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