Proposed Fire Protection District Consolidation
Most of you have heard about proposals for consolidating three Fire Protection Districts (FPD) serving our local area (Elk Creek, Intermountain and North Fork). For those who need additonal background information, click here for a brief fact sheet and FAQ. Additional resources can be found at https://www.mountainfireresources.com/
The three fire districts have conducted open houses to interact with the community and address concerns directly. Click here for a flier with upcoming open houses. I strongly encourage you to attend one of them to discuss your concerns one-on-one with our brave firefighters.
The downside to consolidation would be an associated increase in property taxes. In my case, it would amount to a $13 per month increase compared to my current tax bill. You can use the following calculator to estimate the increase in your tax bill should consolidation pass: https://www.mountainfireresources.com/tax-calculator/elk-creek.
The benefits are many. Of note:
a. A central dispatch system for the new district will provide faster response times.
b. Replace aging equipment and efficiently share resources within the new, larger district.
c. Streamlined, more efficient management structure.
d. Pooling resources to more effectively recruit, retain and train volunteers.
e. Increase in paid staffing would offset an ongoing decline in volunteer firefighters and allow for permanent staffing at key fire stations.
f. Of particular interest to Woodside Park would be the planned expansion of Fire Station #2 on Mount Evans Rd with full-time staffing and expanded resources.
The Board of Direcotrs of the three fire districts considering consolidation must request to have the initiative placed on the November ballot by sometime in August. It would be up to us the residents in the three fire distrists to for or against consolidation.
Feel free to contact your Elk Creek Fire Protection District Ambassador, Otto Boneta, if you wish to discuss, woodsideparkCAP@gmail.com, or 956-566-1362.
The three fire districts have conducted open houses to interact with the community and address concerns directly. Click here for a flier with upcoming open houses. I strongly encourage you to attend one of them to discuss your concerns one-on-one with our brave firefighters.
The downside to consolidation would be an associated increase in property taxes. In my case, it would amount to a $13 per month increase compared to my current tax bill. You can use the following calculator to estimate the increase in your tax bill should consolidation pass: https://www.mountainfireresources.com/tax-calculator/elk-creek.
The benefits are many. Of note:
a. A central dispatch system for the new district will provide faster response times.
b. Replace aging equipment and efficiently share resources within the new, larger district.
c. Streamlined, more efficient management structure.
d. Pooling resources to more effectively recruit, retain and train volunteers.
e. Increase in paid staffing would offset an ongoing decline in volunteer firefighters and allow for permanent staffing at key fire stations.
f. Of particular interest to Woodside Park would be the planned expansion of Fire Station #2 on Mount Evans Rd with full-time staffing and expanded resources.
The Board of Direcotrs of the three fire districts considering consolidation must request to have the initiative placed on the November ballot by sometime in August. It would be up to us the residents in the three fire distrists to for or against consolidation.
Feel free to contact your Elk Creek Fire Protection District Ambassador, Otto Boneta, if you wish to discuss, woodsideparkCAP@gmail.com, or 956-566-1362.