Coeur d'Alene council calls May bond election for $16.4 million fire package

Coeur d'Alene — The City Council voted to place a $16,400,000 general obligation bond measure before voters to replace aging fire apparatus and fund facility upgrades, the council decided after presentations and public comment. Mayor Woody Evans presided as the council adopted Council Bill 25-1005 by roll call, sending the measure to a May ballot.

The bond would fund two primary categories: roughly $10 million for apparatus replacement and about $6.3 million for station upgrades and related facilities work, according to a staff presentation from Fire Chief Tom Greet. The ordinance adopted by council sets ballot language and authorizes the city to levy taxes to repay the bonds if voters approve them.

Why it matters: Fire officials said equipment and construction costs have risen dramatically since the department’s prior bonds, increasing the price of engines and ladder trucks and shortening the useful life of older apparatus. Fire Chief Tom Greet told the council the package is intended to maintain response capability and modernize the busiest station in the department.

The decision follows public comments from local firefighters and residents. Gabe…