The Challenge We Face
Without a sustainable investment in South Metro Fire Rescue’s fire and EMS services, our community will soon face a public safety crisis.
South Metro’s property tax rate hasn’t changed since 2004 and is the lowest among similar departments in Colorado – others are 50% or more higher.
In 2024, the Colorado Legislature passed HB 24B-1001, a property tax reduction measure that significantly decreased funding for fire protection districts across the state, including South Metro.
At the same time, South Metro is facing increasing operating and capital expenses to maintain service levels in existing and expanding areas, while demand for service has increased more than 24% in the last five years.
Ballot Measure 7A will provide the funding necessary to preserve South Metro's high level of service to the community, and South Metro's property tax rate would continue to be the lowest comparable rate even with the requested increase.
Life-Saving Services Are at Risk
We are focused on maintaining the reliable, high-quality emergency services our community depends on. Failure to pass Ballot Measure 7A will result in South Metro considering cuts affecting:
- Response times for fires, medical calls, and accidents
- Adequate staffing for effective fire and medical response
- Capital investments in existing and planned stations, vehicles, and equipment
- Health programs to prevent and treat cancer, cardiac issues, and injuries among first responders
- Wildfire preparedness and response, especially where forests meet neighborhoods
Why It Matters
Wildfires do not wait. Emergencies do not pause. When disaster strikes, every second counts. A delayed response, whether from structure fires, wildfires, medical emergencies, natural disasters, or hazardous materials, can mean the difference between life and death, survival and destruction.
South Metro Fire Rescue’s highly trained all-hazards firefighters and paramedics answered more than 52,000 emergency calls last year, protecting 571,000 residents across 287 square miles. South Metro’s first responders serve parts of Arapahoe, Douglas, and Jefferson counties, 12 municipalities, and other major areas including Centennial Airport, the Tech Center, Park Meadows, Highlands Ranch, Daniels Park, and Cherry Creek and Chatfield State Parks.
