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OCN > 2311 > Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Oct. 18 – Resolution opposes Proposition HH; preliminary budget proposed

Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Oct. 18 – Resolution opposes Proposition HH; preliminary budget proposed

By Janet Sellers

At the Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District (BFFRPD) meeting on Oct. 18, the board approved a posted resolution in opposition to proposition HH to inform residents about the potential effects on property tax revenue for the district and received a preliminary proposed 2024 budget. The board also heard about the hiring of four firefighters.

All the board directors were present

Proposition HH opposed

The directors discussed concerns about the potential loss of property tax revenue if Proposition HH passes in the Nov. 7 statewide election. In their resolution (which can be found under public notices at www.bffire.org) they stated, “the board were unanimously opposed to Proposition HH as it was not only about BFFRPD, it is also about Colorado special districts (there are over 2,500 special districts in Colorado). Special districts are an integral piece of local government in Colorado. Special districts provide vital life-saving and critical infrastructure services throughout Colorado. These services include fire protection, ambulance, healthcare, sanitation, wastewater, parks and recreation, and libraries. Local taxpayers and local elected officials should be making local tax decisions. The board approved the resolution to oppose Proposition HH.”

Proposed 2024 budget

Fire Chief PJ Langmaid presented the preliminary 2024 budget proposal and said it was earlier than the normal budget calendar due to the potential issues with the Proposition HH and increased property valuations. He suggested the board consider a budget based on a 15.24 mill levy to stabilize revenues and avoid a shortfall. He proposed eliminating the debt on the engine and the tender, providing a 4.7% cost of living increase for employees, and hiring six firefighters to enable the operation of the 2005 mid-mount aerial ladder truck.

Langmaid said budget savings have been possible due to the wildland fire deployments of personnel in 2023 covering wage expenses throughout the year. Langmaid said it is unknown how the budget may be affected in 2024 due to the increased property value assessments and the possible exclusion of dual taxation residents. He said the district is using foresight to make the budget decisions for 2024 based on the ballot initiative of 2018 rather than the decisions made by the City of Colorado Springs and the potential impact to revenue if Proposition HH is approved.

The board approved Resolution 2023-02, opposing Proposition HH.

Firefighters hired

Four employees were hired and began work on Oct. 16.

The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.

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Meetings are usually held on the third Wednesday of the month at station 1, 11445 Teachout Road, Colorado Springs. Meetings are open to the public in person or via Zoom. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m. For joining instructions, updates, agendas, minutes, and reports, visit www.bffire.org or contact Director of Public Relations Brooke Reid at admin@bffire.org or call (719) 495-4300.

Janet Sellers can be reached at janetsellers@ocn.me.

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