As a resident of La Plata County and former firefighter, I’m concerned about the financial impact of Ballot Issues 2A (city voters) and 7A (district and county voters), the proposed property tax increase for the Durango Fire Protection District. While it’s framed as a necessary investment in public safety, we must be honest about who will bear the burden – and it’s not just property owners.
Most landlords don’t absorb tax hikes out of kindness. Increased property taxes are typically passed on to renters in the form of higher monthly rents. For the many residents in Durango who don’t own homes, this ballot measure amounts to a hidden rent increase.
La Plata County is already one of the most expensive areas in Colorado to live in. Working families, young professionals and seniors on fixed incomes are struggling to stay afloat. Rent hikes driven by tax increases only make it harder.
Yes, we value our first responders and want them to be well-resourced. But we also need to find solutions that don’t disproportionately affect those who are already stretched thin.
The fire district is flush full of cash from the tax increases that have occurred since 2021. The district should manage their budget instead of continuing to tax its residents. Before voting “yes” on 2A and 7A, consider who really pays the price – especially in a housing market as tight and expensive as ours.
We need to support fire and emergency services – but not by making it even harder for renters to live here. Please join me in voting “no” on 2A and 7A.
Jeff Genender
Durango
