While consistently providing a high level of emergency medical services to our community since 2002, over the last decade the Durango Fire and Rescue Authority has faced financial and organizational challenges jeopardizing its ability to provide this essential service our community needs and relies on. After working on solutions to resolve these challenges since it formed in 2006, the Durango Fire Protection District board of directors has arrived at a solution that will not only maintain the same level of service we’ve all come to depend on, but will increase organizational efficiencies and reduce operating costs by eliminating redundant and unnecessary boards of directors – all without increasing anyone’s taxes.
This November, there will be two ballot measures providing for these solutions. Residents living outside of the Durango city limits, will be asked to vote in favor of a tax that will replace (not increase) the property taxes historically collected to pay for your emergency services. If you are a resident of the city of Durango, you will be asked to approve a measure that will allow the City Council to enter into a 15-year contract with the Durango Fire Protection District to provide emergency medical services at the same level of service that’s been provided since 2002. Payment for these services would continue to be paid from the city’s general fund as has always been done in the past.
On Nov. 5, if you live within the city of Durango, I urge you to vote yes for ballot measure 2A. County residents who live within the Durango Fire Protection District, vote yes on ballot question 4B.
Emil Wanatka, chairman, Durango Fire Protection District
Durango
