'Yes' on Upper Pine question

The Upper Pine River Fire Protection District is asking voters this November to support Ballot Question 7B, a modest but critical sales tax initiative that will directly enhance public safety within our district. If approved, the 1% (1 cent on every dollar) sales tax on goods purchased within district boundaries is expected to generate approximately $490,000 annually. Importantly, the tax will not apply to groceries, prescription medications or other essential household items exempt under Colorado law. Unlike a property tax, this sales tax ensures visitors who rely on our services share in the cost of protection. This approach eases the burden on local homeowners while spreading responsibility fairly across everyone who lives, works and recreates in the district.

In several community meetings, the public has told us they would support a sales tax over a mill levy. The State Legislature recently approved allowing fire districts to diversify their income with sales tax and impact fees. The sales tax creates a safety net for potential changes in property tax in the future.

Many of our team members are being forced to move over an hour away to find affordable single-family homes for young families. Emergency call volume has increased by 30% since 2019, and as the population grows and visitor numbers rise, the district anticipates continued growth in call volume. At the same time, the cost of maintaining reliable emergency services has increased dramatically. Without additional funding, our ability to meet these demands while retaining skilled professionals is at risk. 

Ballot Question 7B will allow the Fire District to:

• Provide adequate staffing: Ensure enough trained personnel are available at all times to respond to emergencies, fires and medical calls.

• Invest in training and retention: Support continued education, certifications and fair compensation to help retain our experienced workforce.

• Maintain and replace equipment: Keep our aging equipment and essential tools safe and functional, while planning for necessary replacements.

• Upgrade safety gear: Equip our crews with modern, up-to-date protective gear and life-saving equipment.

• Improve and equip fire stations: Maintain and enhance current stations and plan for future ones to ensure prompt response times.

A critical part of emergency readiness is ensuring our firefighters and paramedics can afford to live within the district they serve. When large-scale incidents occur, such as the recent Forest Lakes wildfire, quick callback of off-duty personnel is essential to mount an effective response. Funding from 7B will help us retain local, dedicated professionals who are ready when our community needs them most.

Shortly after the Blue Ridge Fire started, we called for evacuations in the Hilltop area of Forest Lakes. A person loading their car to evacuate began having a heart attack. Upper Pine crews that were called back who live locally immediately respond to care for this person. From that person’s first medical contact with Upper Pine paramedics to the time that person was at Mercy was 63 minutes. That doesn’t happen when people are being called back from Aztec, Cortez or Pagosa Springs.   

There is no sunset clause on this measure, meaning that funds will continue to support these priorities in the long term. However, every dollar will be accounted for through public budget reporting and board oversight. As part of the district’s financial leadership, a Certificate of Financial Excellence from the Government Accounting Officers Association requires that we be transparent with our budgets and finances.  

Together, we can ensure that the Upper Pine River Fire Protection District remains ready, equipped and staffed to protect lives and property. A “yes” vote on 7B is a vote for faster responses, safer crews and stronger protection for our community.

– Bruce Evans, Upper Pine Fire Chief, and Jason Jeep, Upper Pine Fire Captain