Voters in La Plata County will be asked whether or not to support a 1% sales tax increase to help raise money for the Upper Pine River Fire Protection District in the upcoming November elections.
According to a news release from the fire department, ballot question 7B will ask voters to approve adding a penny to every dollar spent within Upper Pine’s jurisdiction, which covers 284 acres within eastern La Plata County and a small portion of western Archuleta County, including the communities of Bayfield and Forest Lakes.
Upper Pine Fire Chief Bruce Evans said the tax increase is necessary to retain firefighters, better equip the department and continue providing services to its constituents.
“It’s really about retaining our people where they can live in the Pine River Valley and live in Bayfield,” he said.
Evans said that during the Aug. 15 Blue Ridge Fire, the district had to call in its firefighters who live outlying communities such as Aztec, Cortez and Pagosa Springs. He said having to do so delayed the response to the fire, and expressed concern for future incidents.
“They’re not going to get here quick enough,” he said. “It’s going to take them an hour to drive in.”
By increasing the sales tax within Upper Pine’s district, the department will be able to pay its firefighters enough to live within the district, which in turn will create faster response times when a fire breaks out. The news release said it is crucial for quick response times to have firefighters living locally.
“When large-scale incidents occur, such as the recent Forest Lakes wildfire – quick callback of off-duty personnel is essential to mount an effective response,” the release said. “Funding from 7B will help us retain local, dedicated professionals who are ready when our community needs them most.”
The release said Upper Pine decided to go with a sales tax increase because it would be paid by residents and the area’s large tourist population, spreading the payment among everyone who relies on Upper Pine’s services.
“Unlike a property tax, this sales tax ensures visitors who rely on our services share in the cost of protection,” the release said. “This approach eases the burden on local homeowners while spreading responsibility fairly across everyone who lives, works, and recreates in the District.”
The release provided figures outlining how Upper Pine has seen a 30% increase in emergency call volume since 2019, and that fire officials expect that number to continue growing into the future.
“At the same time, the cost of maintaining reliable emergency services has increased dramatically,” the release said. “Without additional funding, our ability to meet these demands while retaining the skilled professionals who are raised here locally and who serve our community is at risk.”
sedmondson@durangoherald.com
