When the governor signed HB24B‑1001 almost a year ago, advocates heralded it as the tax relief the state desperately needed. The bill cut property taxes for Colorado homeowners and businesses and capped how fast local governments can grow their tax revenue, but it also reduced the taxable base used to fund many local services, including the pot of money accessed by fire protection districts.
Now, with summer in full swing and multiple fires burning across the state, some departments warn the decrease in funding could lead to untimely layoffs or even possible closures if they can’t find a way to make up for the loss.
“Our average annual shortfall over the next 10 years that we’re projecting is $50 million,” South Metro Fire District Board Chair Jim Albee said. The shortfall comes as demand for services in Arapahoe and Douglas counties has increased. Calls for service are up 20 percent in the district since 2019…