We Are Facing A Significant Budget Shortfall
We are working hard to find a solution to keep our community safe
Increasing Costs of Equipment
The cost to purchase a new Engine has risen 79% Since COVID
2019 - $723,000
2025 - 1.3 Millon
2 inch Hose 100 feet - $275
Fire Fighter Equipment
120% Increase Since COVID
Heat and Impact Resistant Helmet
2019 - $229 / 2025 - $425
Bunker Coat 2019 - $1157 / 2025 - $2350
Bunker Pants 2019 - $1202 / 2025 - $2195
Reduction in Property Taxes
Colorado State Legislation Significantly Reduced Funding
In 2024, the state legislature passed HB 24B-1001 to lower property taxes which significantly reduced funding for fire protection districts across Colorado — including Hotchkiss Fire District.
Why Is The District Facing A Shortfall
In 1992 Hotchkiss Fire District asked the Voters of the
Hotchkiss Fire District to increase our Mil-Levy to 4.8 Mills, where it has remained to date. We have worked hard to obtain many grants, sustaining the Hotchkiss Fire District and reducing costs to the public. In 2025 most of the Federal and State Grants have disapeared, creating a substantial loss in our budget, reducing needed operational income.
In 2024 Colorado State Legislation Significantly Reduced Funding. The state legislature passed HB 24B-1001 (See below for more information), to lower property taxes which significantly reduced funding for fire protection districts across Colorado — including Hotchkiss Fire District.
As a result, Hotchkiss Fire District is facing an immediate and significant budget shortfall due to recent losses of Federal and State Grants, and to the State Legislation actions. Without additional revenue by 2027, we will not be able to maintain the high level of fire and emergency services our residents expect and rely on.
Hotchkiss Fire District faces a choice — and we’re asking for your support. We are faced with reducing essential emergency services or to consider alternative funding to sustain them. If we must reduce essential services and sustain no increase in funding, we will need to reduce services increasingly each year.
Without alternative funding, ISO ratings will increase and for many, fire insurance for their homes and businesses may not be offered by any insurance companies. (See ISO Explanation below)
Hotchkiss Fire District will be facing a shortfall every year annually increasing in demands for services, rising costs, and infrastructure.
Since COVID, demand for our services has grown 20%, and it’s not slowing down.
OPTIONS WE ARE FACED WITH
Reduce Our Responses Within The District
- Response times for fires, medical emergencies, and accidents could be impacted more and more each year
- Fewer firefighting crews could compromise safety during emergencies and affect property, individuals and life-threatening medical situations
- Reduced wildfire response and other specialty units including water rescue, hazardous materials, and technical rescue firefighting units may be unavailable
Ask the Voters for a Sale Tax
- Ask voters to approve a 0.08% sales tax, which would cost $0.8 (8 cents) for every $100 spent while generating about $300,000 per year for fire and emergency services.
- For the first time, state law allows fire districts to collect sales tax to support critical services.
- This would bring in money from travelers, rafters, hunters and those vacationing in the area, not just from the property owners.
Ask the Voters for a Higher Mil-Levy
- Ask voters to approve a modest property tax increase. For example, raising the mill levy from 4.8 to 6.8 would cost the average homeowner with a $600,000 home about $6.23 more per month (the cost of one streaming service or one fast food meal) while generating around $220,000 each year for Hotchkiss Fire District.
- Adding additional taxes to property and business owners.
- The District has not increased their mill levy since 1992.