District Funding

Our Tax History

In 2010, the District asked voters for a property tax increase – this was successful in raising the mill from 9.48 to 14.71. The District has not asked voters to approve a new tax increase since 2010, with two exceptions:

• In 2024, voters in the former Fairmount Fire Protection District approved a mill levy increase to match Arvada's — a successful merger that reduced costs and benefited the entire community.
• Voters approved a measure to de-Gallagherize the District's property tax assessment in 2018. This allows the District to adjust its mill levy to account for decreases in the Residential Assessment Rate (RAR) set by the State. However, this was curtailed to some extent by State legislation in 2024 (HB24B-1001) which set revenue growth at 10.5% over any two-year period limiting the District's ability to overcome shortfalls through a previously accepted method.

Why Costs Are Rising

Expenses have increased across the board including equipment, vehicles, training, and medical supplies. At the same time, emergency call volume grows each year — driven by more medical emergencies, greater wildfire risk, and higher training requirements. Learn more on our Services and Demand pages.

The District Board Took Action

To maintain current service levels, the District Board passed a resolution to ask voters for additional revenue through a sales tax.

• Sales Tax (1%) — Would generate approximately $23.1 million annually. Recent state legislation (SB24-194) now allows fire districts to pursue this option.
• Exemptions would apply to groceries, prescription medications, diapers, school activities, and all other categories exempt under state sales tax law. Visit the Colorado State Department of Revenue for details.