A major Denver metro area fire department says they're at the brink of a budget emergency , and anticipate a shortfall of $50 million a year for the next decade. It's hoping a proposed property tax increase can help close the gap.

South Metro Fire Rescue serves nearly 600,000 residents in Arapahoe, Douglas and Jefferson counties. As communities like Sterling Ranch and Lone Tree grow, that number is only going up. The department says its call volume has increased 24% in the last five years.

Voter drives up to ballot box in Douglas County CBS

To address that shortfall, they're now asking voters to approve a property tax increase from 9.25 to 12.25 mills. A mill is $1 for every $1,000 of assessed property value.

South Metro says its property tax rate has not changed in more than 20

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