Voters have approved a 1% sales tax increase for Upper Pine River Fire Protection District. The measure was passed with 57% of the vote in favor of Question 7B.
La Plata County Clerk and Recorder Tiffany Lee expected a 40% voter turnout. The first wave of results accounted for 38% of votes, meaning the vast majority had been counted. A small part of Upper Pine’s district extends into Archuleta County.
Fire Chief Bruce Evans said he was hopeful and humbled because of voters’ early feedback.
“That's good news for us,” Evans said. “We're thrilled that we still have the public trust and humbled by the the support that we get.”
Ballot question 7B asked voters if tourists and residents alike should pay an extra 1% on nonessential purchases. The funds raised will boost firefighter wages and upgrade equipment for the district.
Some essential products are exempt from the tax, including feminine products, baby products, groceries, prescription drugs, farm equipment and school supplies. The choice to go with a sales tax was meant to include tourists, who rely on the fire district’s services during the tourism season.
“We felt that it was important that everybody that visits our district and takes advantage of our services is paying for them,” said Capt. Jason Jeep. “There’s a great number of calls that we run for folks who do not live here, and we really feel that it is important that they share in funding our services.”
The increase was also meant to ensure that firefighters can live in the community they serve, Jeep said.
sedmondson@durangoherald.com
