Fort Collins
Poudre Fire Authority says Ballot Issue 7E would lift state funding cap without raising taxes
The authority says district costs rose about 10.69% from 2022 to 2026, while the cap allowed just 5.25% growth. A basic set of bunker gear now costs $3,963, up from $2,707 in 2021, it says.
Poudre Fire Authority said a yes vote on Ballot Issue 7E this November would remove the state cap on its funds without increasing taxes.
Costs for the District increased approximately 10.69 percent from 2022 to 2026, the authority said. The cap set by the state allows funding to increase by only 5.25 percent. That gap creates a deficit in the funds needed to provide protective equipment for firefighters, replace apparatus and maintain fire stations, the authority said.
Bunker gear shows the pressure on costs, the authority said. The basic set, the coat and pants firefighters need to attack or safely approach a burning structure, cost $2,707 in 2021. It now costs $3,963, an increase of 46.4%.
Providing protection and fire mitigation requires funding for specialized equipment and highly trained people, the authority said. It wants to make those investments for years to come. More information is available at www.poudrevalleyfirefunding.org/.