Nederland residents will notice that the November 2022 ballot will include a property-tax increase proposal destined to protect the health and safety of the 4,500 residents living in the department’s 56-square-mile district. The proposal will be a 3-mill property tax that would provide $250,000 annually, after being phased in during a three-year period. The extra funding means more protection to our firefighters and first responders who need equipment and vehicles they can rely on. With the lack of a local Police Department, having a staffed and properly equipped Fire Department is crucial for the safety of the community.

The Nederland Fire Protection District (NFPD) is responsible for providing fire and emergency services for an area which includes the town of Nederland, the town site of Eldora, the Eldora Ski Area and a vast area of public lands, as well as outlying areas around Nederland. This service area includes nearly 2,000 residents and the many outdoor enthusiasts and tourists who visit this area year round. NFPD responds to more than 400 emergency calls each year. This summer they have successfully responded to major incidents, such as the burned RV on the road to Eldora or the West Magnolia fire in June.

Properly maintained firefighting equipment, and a well-trained staff, allows NFPD to protect lives and property in our community. If the department’s equipment fails at a critical moment, those same lives and properties can be put into even more danger.

The district has been struggling to keep up with the needs of its firefighters and first responders. In recent years, the number of calls for service has increased, while the district’s budget has remained flat. This has resulted in the district being forced to make do with outdated equipment and vehicles, as well as neglecting maintenance the fire station desperately needs, like a non-leaking roof.

Property-tax increases are a sore topic to be discussed, especially during difficult financial times. Transparency is key to justify residents spending more dollars in resources and the NFPD has been clear that the Fire Equipment and Vehicle Maintenance fund will not be used for staffing or administration and will be subject to annual audit and review for the public.

Over the past four years, NFPD spent more than $40,000 on repairs to the primary response fire engine. Last year, the district’s ambulance suffered a catastrophic electrical failure, causing a significant accident. The department has been evaluating the purchase of a new fire truck since January. However, the financials behind the acquisition haven’t made it viable.

The proposed property tax would cost the owner of a median priced home —$750,000 for the Nederland area— approximately $160 per year, less than $14 per month, when fully implemented. The extra funding provided by the proposed property tax increase would allow the district to purchase new equipment and vehicles, as well as provide additional training for its firefighters and first responders. This would help ensure that the residents of Nederland and the surrounding area have access to the best possible fire and emergency medical services.

Consider supporting this much-needed property tax increase for the Nederland Fire Protection District. Our firefighters deserve nothing but the best, and with your help, we can give them exactly that.

If you have any questions or concerns about this proposal, please contact Chief Michael Scott at (303) 258-9161.