Ballot Issue 6A ask district residents for an increase in Mill Levy to support your local volunteer fire department.
Detailed information can be found here:
https://www.hygienefire.org/elections
From the Tabor Statement:
SUMMARY OF COMMENTS FOR THE ISSUE
The Hygiene Fire Protection District maintains equipment and
emergency response teams highly trained in structure and
wildland fires, search and rescue operations (including open
water), motor vehicle accidents and extrication, emergency
medical treatment, and hazardous material protection.
Within the past year, the district was threatened by both the
Cal-Wood wildfire and a high-pressure gas line rupture. The
department played an instrumental role in these and many
other emergencies and is recognized for its outstanding
response times and in-depth training.
That said, there is real concern as to how much longer this
quality of service can be sustained. Three important issues
need to be addressed.
District fire engines are on average 20 years old, with
replacement costs in excess of $750,000 per vehicle.
Quick response times are completely dependent on
firefighters and emergency medical personnel
staying on premise while on call, yet there are no
overnight accommodations on station property.
Compensation for District firefighters when on call
starts at $12.50 per hour, far below the $23 per hour
industry standard, making it difficult to retain highly
qualified personnel.
Our current mill levy is lower than all adjacent Fire Protection
Districts, including Lyons, Berthoud, Mountain View, Boulder
Rural, and Left Hand. The median mill levy for these five
districts is 15.75, while the current levy for Hygiene is only
9.099.