Parma residents will decide on Nov. 3 whether to fund a temporary property‑tax levy that would bring in an additional $1 million each year for the Parma Rural Fire Protection District. The measure, if passed, would cost roughly $91.06 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value and is intended to address staffing shortages, upgrade the fire station and replace aging equipment.
Why the district needs the money
Fire Chief Joe Rodgers says the district’s ability to keep experienced firefighters and emergency medical technicians hinges on offering competitive wages. “We’re just trying to be competitive,” Rodgers told local reporters, noting that nearby departments can pay four to six dollars more per hour. “If everybody left, there wouldn’t be anybody here for the community,” he added.
Currently the district operates with a four‑person daily crew – one paramedic and three firefighter‑EMTs – and most calls are medical emergencies. Rodgers hopes the levy will allow the district to add another crew member, enabling three firefighters to staff an engine and two to staff an ambulance. “We’d love to have five on staff,” he said, “that way we can have three in an engine, two on an ambulance.”
Equipment upgrades and truck replacement
In addition to staffing, the levy would fund station improvements and the eventual replacement of older fire trucks. One of the district’s trucks dates back to 1996, and Rodgers explained that limited funds have forced the department to defer necessary maintenance. “Just hoping with a little added income, we can at least start replacing some of the stuff we’ve neglected for quite a few years,” he said.
Community response
Parma-area residents have expressed mixed feelings. Some praised the department’s quick response times and the care they received, saying the crew deserves additional funding. Others voiced concern about the added cost to taxpayers and questioned whether Parma and neighboring Canyon County could share emergency medical services more efficiently.
Despite the debate, the district emphasizes that retaining qualified personnel is essential for maintaining reliable emergency services. “The community needs us, and we need people to stay,” Rodgers said.
What voters need to know
The temporary override levy requires a simple majority to pass in the November 3, 2026 general election. If approved, the district will collect the additional $1 million each year for two years, providing the financial foundation to keep experienced firefighters, improve facilities and begin replacing outdated trucks.
Local officials encourage residents to review the levy details, consider the impact on public safety, and cast an informed vote.
Original reporting: KIVI Idaho News 6 Boise metro (local) — read the source article.
