May 2026

THE CHALLENGE

Demand is rising. Resources haven't kept pace.

Since the consolidation of North Fork Fire and Inter-Canyon Fire Departments, Conifer Fire has captured meaningful financial efficiencies — but savings alone aren't enough to meet the growing cost of emergency response. Without additional funding, CFD cannot maintain or enhance its community response capability.

Wildfire risk is increasing. The Department's rugged 300-square-mile terrain faces heightened wildfire exposure, requiring faster and more capable response.

Medical calls are surging. 60–70% of all calls are medical emergencies — and that share is growing as the community's population ages. Adults 65 and older are twice as likely to call 911 for a medical emergency.

Equipment is aging out. CFD needs to replace 2 fire engines (up to 30 years old) and 2 ambulances (up to 21 years old), all well past their recommended lifespan. Adequate staffing across a 300-square-mile range is equally critical to maintaining response times.

THE PROPOSAL UNDER CONSIDERATION

A potential 4-mill levy increase

CFD is weighing a 4-mill levy that would raise up to $400,000 per year. For a home valued at $750,000, the cost is roughly $15 per month. It's worth noting: when Inter-Canyon voters approved consolidation, their property taxes actually decreased to equalize rates across the new service area.

With $400,000 in annual funding, CFD would:

• Add 6 new first responders in 2027, a direct path to faster response times across the Department

• Complete the remodel of East Station #3 (Windy Point) and staff it 24/7

• Replace aging fire engines and ambulances to ensure reliable, modern emergency response

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What types of emergencies does CFD respond to? CFD responds to approximately 650 emergency calls per year. Of those, 60–70% are medical emergencies,  a number that continues to grow. This is partly because CFD serves an aging population: adults 65 and older are twice as likely to call 911 for a medical emergency.

Why is staffing a concern? CFD covers a vast 300-square-mile service area, and adequate staffing across that range is critical to maintaining acceptable response times. Current staffing gaps mean that response times could suffer as call volume increases, particularly for medical emergencies, which make up the majority of calls.

How old is CFD's equipment, and why does it need to be replaced? CFD needs to replace equipment that is well beyond its recommended lifespan: 2 fire engines that are 16-30 years old, and 2 ambulances that are up to 21 years old. Aging equipment poses reliability risks and can compromise response effectiveness during emergencies.

What is the proposed increase, and how much would it cost homeowners? CFD is considering a potential 4-mill increase that would raise up to $400,000 annually. For a home valued at $750,000, this works out to approximately $15 per month. When Inter-Canyon voters approved the Department's consolidation, property taxes actually decreased to equalize rates across the new service area.

If approved by voters, how would the money be used? With an additional $400,000 per year, CFD would add 6 new first responders in 2027 for faster emergency response, complete the remodel of East Station #3 (Windy Point) and staff it 24/7, and replace aging fire engines and ambulances.

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