Agenda Date: 10/07/2025
Subject:
Title
Resolution 104-2025: Supporting a Yes vote on Ballot Issue 7A which seeks voter approval of a South Metro Fire Rescue Fire Protection District property tax increase of 3 Mills
Body
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From: |
James L. Becklenberg, City Manager |
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Prepared by: |
Reid Betzing, City Attorney |
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Presentations: |
N/A |
PURPOSE:
The Colorado Fair Campaign Practices Act allows the City Council to pass a resolution voicing their support or opposition to any ballot question referred to the voters. Council will consider adopting a resolution in support of South Metro Fire Rescue Fire Protection District’s Ballot Issue 7A to increase property taxes by 3 mills.
LONG-TERM OUTCOME(S) SERVED:
Safe Community; High-Quality Governance
DISCUSSION:
South Metro Fire Rescue Fire Protection District (“SMFR”) provides fire and emergency response services to over 570,000 people in the south metro region including the City of Littleton. Currently SMFR has been authorized by the voters to collect 9.25 mills of property tax to offset the costs of providing their services. SMFR has not raised property taxes in over 20 years.
Since that time, the calls for services, the numbers of people in SMFR’s service area, and the costs associated with equipment and personnel have greatly increased. In addition, recent changes at state law regarding how property tax is assessed and collected are projected to lead to significant reductions in revenue. Those reductions, combined with increases in the costs for items such as medical supplies, equipment, personnel, and vehicles will make providing current levels of service unsustainable without additional revenue.
SMFR projects that without increasing those revenues, the result will be a budget deficit of $16 million dollars in 2026 and nearly $270 million dollars over the next 10 years while not being able to address increasing costs and maintenance.
Prior Actions or Discussions
On May 13, 2025 SMFR met with City Council at a Study Session to provide an overview of their organization and discuss some of their financial challenges.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
If 7A is successful property mills will increase from 9.25 mills to 12.25 mills. This increase would amount to an overall increase of in taxes of $11.72 a month on a home valued at $750,000 which SMFR hopes would generate an additional 50 million dollars in revenue per year to be able to maintain current levels of service.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council can choose to oppose the ballot issue or not take a position.
PROPOSED MOTION:
Proposed Motion
I move to approve Resolution 104-2025 supporting a Yes vote on Ballot Issue 7A which seeks voter approval of a South Metro Fire Rescue Fire Protection District property tax increase of 3 Mills.