How will the public know how bond funds are spent?

The Coeur d’Alene Fire Department will provide a detailed breakdown of planned expenditures, including specific project costs. Transparency remains a top priority, and regular updates will be available to the public.

What is the cost impact on homeowners?

The anticipated tax impact is $16.07 per $100,000 of taxable assessed property value, per year. However, an existing fire bond is set to expire this year, reducing the net tax increase.

With Coeur d’Alene’s growth, will new developments help cover bond costs?

Yes. All property owners, including those in newly constructed homes, will contribute through property taxes. The $16.07 per $100,000 tax rate applies to all qualifying properties.

Will the remodel be sufficient for future city growth?

Yes. The remodel will expand essential areas, including living quarters, offices, and equipment bays, ensuring the facility can support additional personnel as the city grows. Station 2 is among Idaho’s busiest fire stations, and these improvements will enhance efficiency and long-term service capacity.

What is the scale of Coeur d’Alene’s population growth?

Since 2010, Coeur d’Alene has grown by nearly 13,000 residents, from 44,288 to 56,894 in 2023. Kootenai County’s population has increased by over 46,000 people, reaching 185,010. This rapid growth places additional demand on fire and EMS services.

Is there a plan in case project costs exceed estimates?

Yes. A 15% contingency fund is included within the $16.4 million bond to cover unforeseen cost increases.

What happened with the 2015 Fire Bond?

In 2015, voters approved a $6 million bond to replace fleet vehicles and expand services. That bond is set to expire this year, and the proposed 2025 bond would replace it, continuing necessary investments in public safety.

How will this tax impact residents on fixed incomes?

The bond is structured to distribute costs evenly among property owners, ensuring a fair and balanced approach. The $16.07 per $100,000 tax rate applies proportionally based on taxable assessed property value.

Are developers required to fund fire department infrastructure as part of new housing developments?

No, the fire bond is separate from developer impact fees. All property owners will contribute evenly under the proposed tax structure.

Are Coeur d’Alene firefighters promoting the bond while on duty?

No. Firefighters who discuss the bond initiative are doing so on their own time as private citizens, in compliance with Idaho’s Public Integrity in Elections Act​.

Why don’t you save the money to replace fire vehicles or pay for it out of the general fund?

The City’s plan is to present the public safety capital needs to the voters every 10 years.  The needs are voter approved and the financing matches the life of the asset.

What are the borrowing costs of the proposed bond?

The interest rate anticipated on the proposed bond issue, based upon current market rates, is three and twelve hundredths percent (3.12%) per annum. The total amount estimated to be repaid over the life of the bonds, based on the anticipated interest rate, is $19,444,750, consisting of $16,400,000 in principal and $3,044,750 of interest. The term of the bonds will not exceed ten (10) years from the date of issuance.

What is the current outstanding amount of bond debt of the City?

As of May 20, 2025 (the date of the election), the total existing bonded indebtedness of the City, including interest accrued, is $865,019. This represents the final installment of the 2015 fire bond, which will be paid off later this year.