Fixing and Strengthening the Fire District Mill Levy

A Correction to honor Voter Intent- and an Increase to Sustain Emergency Services

What’s Happening?

Grand Lake Fire Protection District (GLFPD) is asking voters to approve two critical adjustments to our mill levy in the November 2025 election:

1. A CORRECTION to fully restore our previously approved 11.63 mills, which we have been unable to collect due to limiting language in the 2019 ballot measure.

2. A MODEST INCREASE to 13 mills, which reflects the real cost of continuing to provide timely, professional emergency services in a rapidly changing environment.

Why Is a Correction Needed?

In 2019, voters approved up to 11.63 mills, but the ballot language restricted collection to the 'lesser of' two amounts — a cap that unintentionally stops revenue growth as property values rise.

This measure will correct that language so GLFPD can collect the full 11.63 mills voters intended.

Want a Deeper Dive?

Data point 1

Data point 2

Why Is an Increase Needed?

Since that vote, the financial landscape has changed drastically. GLFPD is requesting an increase to 13 mills — a modest but essential adjustment to meet today’s demands:

  • Rising call volumes and staffing needs

  • PPE costs up 40%

  • Apparatus costs more than doubled since 2021

  • Below-average wages affect recruitment and retention

  • Supply chain delays now exceed 4 years for critical equipment

Compounding Revenue Pressures

  • Recent state legislation (SB24-233) permanently reduced taxable assessed values for both residential and commercial properties

  • The new 5.25% revenue cap limits annual property tax growth, regardless of inflation or local needs

  • These changes reduce or cap local funding even when mill rates remain the same

What We’re Asking

This ballot measure would:

  • Correct outdated ballot language so we can collect the full 11.63 mills

  • Increase the levy to a maximum of 13 mills to address inflation, call volume, and staffing

  • Allow annual adjustments to maintain stable revenue amid legal changes

  • Authorize GLFPD to retain and spend these funds under TABOR

Protecting What Matters

This is not about growth — it’s about protecting what we already have. With your support, GLFPD can continue to serve the Grand Lake community with the safety, professionalism, and reliability you expect.