Frequently Asked Questions

How much will 6A cost?

6A is a 0.79 percent sales tax (79 cents on a $100 purchase) that will provide sustainable funding for emergency services and ensure non-property owner visitors and guests contribute to the cost of Eagle River Fire Protection District’s emergency response.

  • Seeking a sales tax, instead of a property tax, will ensure that tourists and visitors provide funding for the emergency services they use. About 50 percent of sales taxes in Eagle County are paid by visitors.

  • ERFPD’s proposed sales tax would not be added to groceries and prescriptions and would not impact property taxes for residents and businesses in the District.

Why is Eagle River Fire asking for additional funding?

Several factors are straining the District’s budget and require additional revenue to maintain current service levels that the community expects. Those factors include:

  • A 24% increase in service calls since 2019 because the District’s population and visitation have significantly increased.

  • An aging population and more residents retiring “in‐place.” Statistics show that people 65 and older are far more likely to need emergency services and be impacted by a fire in their homes.

  • Significant increases in operational costs—including staffing, fuel, vehicle maintenance, and equipment updates—that are even higher than recent record inflation rates.

  • Growing wildfire risk. A 2022 study found Eagle County had 24,048 homes at wildfire risk, surpassed only by El Paso County at 38,560. But El Paso County has 80 fire stations with a protection ratio of 486 homes per station, while Eagle County has only 10 stations and a protection ratio of 2,405 homes per station.  

What happens if the sales tax does not pass?

Without additional funding, ERFPD may need to use its emergency reserve for general operations starting in 2026. The emergency reserve is meant to respond to major disasters like a wildfire or to backfill the District’s operations during an economic downturn similar to the 2008 recession. The District’s reserve was never intended to sustain day-to-day operations.

The District’s other option would be to “diminish and suspend” operations to stay within its current funding. This could mean:

  • reduced staffing at some stations

  • periodic station closures

  • delayed response times

  • suspension of equipment and engine replacements—even if required by age and condition.

    This would likely mean decreased services levels and increases in response times to emergencies.

Have voters approved previous funding requests?

In 2020, Eagle River voters approved a de-Gallagher measure that stabilized ERFPD’s property tax revenue and prevented cuts to District services. The District has not asked for a mill levy increase since 2012, when voters overwhelmingly approved the increase. 

ERFPD voters have approved several measures to ensure the District can continue to provide exceptional public safety services, including:

  • A 2020 de-Gallagher measure that stabilized the District’s property tax revenue.

  • A 2016 bond to construct two new fire stations and a training facility, completed in three years and on budget. The bond will be paid off by 2046.

  • A 2012 supplemental mill levy that allows ERFPD to staff and respond to emergencies from its stations.