CENTENNIAL, Colo. — With Election Day just 10 days away, Arapahoe, Douglas, and Jefferson county voters must decide how to fund their fire district's future.

Ballot Measure 7A asks voters to approve a property tax increase for the South Metro Fire District, which faces a significant annual budget shortfall.

The fire district serves around 600,000 people and is facing significant challenges.

"In the last five years, the total call volume has gone up 24%," said board chair Jim Albee.

Albee explained that increased emergency calls are just one factor contributing to the financial strain. Recent state legislation reducing property taxes has also cut district revenue, including for South Metro.

"We are 81% funded by property tax, so the effect of that legislation had a significant impact o

See Full Page