Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Proposed Mill Levy Extension

Why is North Metro Fire Rescue District considering placing a mill levy (tax rate) extension proposal on this fall’s ballot?

Funding from a mill levy extension would allow North Metro Fire Rescue District (NMFRD) to protect response times and emergency services districtwide by addressing priority staffing, equipment, emergency vehicle, and facility needs.  

Would the fire district’s tax rate stay the same? 

Yes. The current tax rate would not increase. 

Is North Metro Fire’s call volume increasing?

Yes. The fire district’s call volume increased 82% over the past 10 years.  Last year, North Metro Fire responded to 16,826 calls. 

Are most of the fire district’s calls time-critical?

Yes. Last year, 67% of North Metro Fire's calls required emergency medical services (EMS). Every second counts when it comes to responding to these types of emergency calls. 

In addition to a big increase in call volume, what are other major challenges facing North Metro Fire?

The fire district continues to face many challenges, including:

• a growing service population 
• an increase in the complexity of emergency calls, requiring more resources, specialized equipment, and training 
• difficulty recruiting first responders, especially given the national paramedic shortage 
• an increased risk of wildland urban interface fires, like the Marshall Fire

How would the proceeds of the proposed mill levy extension be used?

North Metro Fire Rescue District’s proposed mill levy extension would provide funding for first responders, lifesaving equipment, emergency vehicles, and capital facility needs. The funding would support the fire district's top priorities, including: 

• Adding critical resources to ensure timely emergency response - North Metro Fire serves one of the fastest growing regions in the nation, resulting in significant population and emergency call growth. To ensure the necessary emergency personnel and equipment arrive on scene in the least amount of time, the District must add critical resources in strategic locations.   
• Attracting, training, and retaining firefighters/paramedics - Attracting and retaining firefighters and paramedics remains a challenge, especially given the national paramedic shortage. Competition for quality first responders is at an all-time high among Colorado fire departments. Additionally, calls are becoming increasingly more complex, requiring in-depth, specialized training. North Metro Fire must have the means to recruit and develop its personnel to continue delivering a high level of service to the community.
• Strengthening wildland fire response - There is a strong need to better prepare for wildland urban interface fires, like the Marshall Fire. Mill levy proceeds would go toward vehicles and equipment used to fight these types of fires, as well as toward additional training. 
• Funding vital emergency vehicles and equipment - As inflation increases, the cost of emergency vehicles and equipment is rising at an even higher rate. First responders rely on their equipment to save lives, which is why the District must continue to update and replace equipment and emergency vehicles as needed, including fire engines, ambulances, air packs, Jaws of Life, heart monitors, thermal imaging cameras, radios, and other vital tools.
• Addressing capital facility needs - The proposed mill levy extension would be used to address high-priority improvements and additions to existing stations to address health and safety issues, extend the station's useful life, and reduce costly emergency repairs. The District also seeks to expand Station 65, allowing for an additional ambulance. Funding would also go toward critical infrastructure improvements to Station 66 and the development of Station 69. 

What are the anticipated benefits of the proposed mill levy extension?

There are many anticipated benefits, including:

• Adding critical resources to ensure timely emergency response
• Funding vital emergency vehicles and equipment
• Ensuring all areas within the District are properly served
• Protecting the health and safety of our first responders
• Strengthening the District’s ability to fight wildland fires
• Attracting and retaining quality firefighters and paramedics
• No tax rate increase required

How large is the fire district’s service area?

North Metro Fire covers 58 square miles, including the City and County of Broomfield, the City of Northglenn, and portions of Adams, Boulder, Jefferson, and Weld counties. In addition, 125 miles of divided interstate and toll highways span the District.

What services does North Metro Fire provide? 

• Emergency medical services
• Fire and rescue operations
• Wildland fire response
• Hazardous materials response
• Aircraft rescue and firefighting
• Technical rescue
• Safety education and risk reduction
• Inspections and code enforcement
• Fire investigation

How many fire stations does North Metro Fire operate?

The fire district currently operates seven fire stations, with two more stations planned to open over the next three years. The District also seeks to expand Station 65, allowing for an additional ambulance.

To what extent is the fire district’s service population growing?

Over the past 10 years, the fire district’s service population has increased by 21%.

Is the District’s service population projected to continue increasing?

Yes. The population in North Metro Fire’s service area is projected to continue increasing. 

What size mill levy does NMFRD seek to extend?

The mill levy is 1.4 mills. 

What has the mill levy previously funded?

The mill levy has funded principal and interest on a bond measure for facility improvements, equipment, and emergency vehicles. 

Why would the current tax rate stay the same if the fire district’s proposed mill levy extension was approved by voters?

North Metro Fire currently has a mill levy in place that will expire soon. The fire district seeks to keep the same tax rate in place to address staffing, equipment, vehicle, and facility needs. 

If the tax rate is not extended, would taxes go down?

Yes, without an extension, the mill levy of 1.4 mills would expire at the end of 2023. Taxes would go down by an estimated $9.73 per year per $100,000 of a home’s actual value, as determined by the county assessor.

How does North Metro Fire's tax rate stack up to other districts?

North Metro Fire has the second lowest total mill levy compared to its peer fire districts. The District’s total mill levy amount would not increase if voters approved the proposed mill levy extension.  

How can residents learn more about the proposed mill levy extension and provide their thoughts and recommendations?

The fire district will be hosting public information meetings. Everyone is welcome to attend. Below are the first two meetings:
 

• Saturday, May 20, 9-10 a.m. 
  Station 62 
  10550 Huron Street, Northglenn 
   
• Monday, May 22, 6:30-7:30 p.m. 
  North Metro Fire Headquarters 
  101 Spader Way, Broomfield 
   

A public opinion survey will also be mailed in May 2023. Your participation is greatly appreciated. 
 
If you are unable to attend one of the upcoming public information meetings and have questions, please contact us at:
 
 303.252.3010
 info@northmetrofire.org