What is the Caldwell Rural Fire District (CRFD)? 
The Caldwell Rural Fire District (District) is a special-purpose local government that provides fire protection and emergency services to rural and unincorporated areas, as well as cities that do not have their own fire department, around Caldwell. In accordance with Idaho Code Title 31, Chapter 14, fire protection Districts are independent from cities and governed by their own Board. 

How is CRFD different from the City of Caldwell Fire Department? 
CRFD serves areas outside the Caldwell city limits, while the Caldwell Fire Department serves residents and businesses within the city. The two operate under separate funding and governance structures, though they often collaborate in emergencies. 

The District currently contracts with the City of Caldwell Fire Department to provide services to the District.  

Which communities are served by CRFD? 
CRFD serves the growing communities of Greenleaf, parts of Middleton, Notus, and Huston, along with surrounding rural areas in Canyon County. The District boundaries map can be found here. 

Who governs CRFD and how are decisions made? 
CRFD is governed by a locally elected Board of Fire Commissioners, as outlined in Idaho Code § 31-1409. The Board sets policy, oversees the budget, and guides long-term planning to ensure the District meets community needs. 

How is CRFD funded today? 
CRFD is funded primarily through local property taxes, as authorized by Idaho Code § 31-1422. Unlike city fire departments, CRFD does not receive general fund dollars from a municipality. 

Why is CRFD considering impact fees? 
CRFD is experiencing significant growth in population and new development. To plan responsibly, the District is considering development impact fees as a way to ensure new growth pays for its fair share of needed infrastructure costs. 

How does new development affect emergency response services? 
As new homes and businesses are built, emergency call volumes rise, and response times increase as well. This often requires new stations, more personnel, and updated equipment to maintain timely and effective service. If new infrastructure is funded and built, service levels decline, resulting in increasing risks to residents and their property. 

What challenges does growth create for fire Districts like CRFD? 
Fire Districts need to expand infrastructure to keep up with demands. Without Impact Fees existing taxpayers might bear the cost or see service levels decrease. Fire Districts are limited to the amount of revenues they can generate due to HB 389.

What are impact fees? 
Impact fees are one-time charges on new development that help pay for capital infrastructure needed because of growth. According to Idaho Code Title 67, Chapter 82, these fees can only be used for fire stations, engines, equipment, and similar long-term assets — not for operations or salaries. 

Who pays impact fees — and when? 
In accordance with Idaho Code § 67-8214A, impact fees are paid by developers or builders when they apply for a building permit. The fees are assessed only on new construction — not on existing homes or businesses. Impact fees are not a new property tax on existing property owners. 

How are impact fees calculated? 
Under Idaho Code §§ 67-8208 through 67-8210, impact fees must be based on a detailed Capital Improvements Plan and a Development Impact Fee Study. These documents determine future service needs, population growth, and the cost of facilities, ensuring fees are fair and proportionate. 

Can impact fees be used for day-to-day operations or salaries? 
No. Impact fees can only be used for capital improvements — like buildings and vehicles — as defined in Idaho Code § 67-8203(13). They cannot be used for operations, staff salaries, maintenance, fuel, or training. 

What kinds of things can impact fees pay for? 
According to Idaho Code § 67-8203(13), impact fees can fund fire stations, fire engines, water tenders, specialty rescue equipment, and other infrastructure that supports new growth — but not ongoing costs. 

Will existing residents or property owners be affected by impact fees? 
No. In line with Idaho’s impact fee law, only new development pays impact fees. These charges are not retroactive and do not affect current property owners, homeowners, or businesses. Impact fees are not a new property tax on existing property owners. 

How can I share my opinion or learn more about this process? 
You can take the District’s community survey at https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/SQCUzI and visit https://crfpd.specialDistrict.org/ to learn more. Public input is encouraged, and CRFD is coordinating closely with Greenleaf, Middleton, Notus, and Canyon County as required by Idaho Code § 67-8205(3) to ensure transparency and cooperation.