This November, the Aspen Fire Protection District will be asking voters for additional funding
The district is asking for a property tax increase of 1.25 mills… hoping to bring in about three million dollars annually. The money would go to maintaining and buying equipment, as well as building affordable housing for volunteer firefighters. It would also help fund pensions for the 37 volunteers and seven full-time fire department staff.
The district says taxes haven’t been raised since 1953 - and even with this increase, will remain the lowest mill levy rate in the state. Officials are worried that the Gallagher Amendment, could cut local property taxes by as much as 15 percent next year, and reduce funding for the district.