West Metro Fire Rescue has a long history of responsible financial management and planning ahead for the needs of the community. For many years, the district was able to maintain a sustainable financial model while investing in the people, equipment, and resources needed to provide emergency services.

However, several significant changes have impacted that model.

The cost of providing emergency response has increased dramatically in recent years. Fire apparatus, protective equipment, medical technology, building maintenance, and the specialized tools firefighters and paramedics depend on every day now cost significantly more than they did just a few years ago. For example, since 2019, the cost of a new fire engine has nearly doubled, with replacement engines now exceeding $1.3 million.

At the same time, demand for emergency services continues to grow. Since 2017, West Metro’s population has increased by 5%, while calls for service have climbed by 21%. More residents are choosing to age in place, increasing the need for emergency medical services, while wildfire risk and other complex emergencies require additional training, equipment, and preparation.

While costs and calls have increased, changes to Colorado’s property tax laws have affected the revenue fire districts rely on to provide service. Fire districts are primarily funded through property taxes, but recent legislative changes have reduced assessment rates and changed the way property tax revenue is calculated.

These changes provided property tax relief for homeowners and businesses, but they also reduced revenue available to many local government services, including fire districts.

Without changes, the district is facing a projected funding gap of nearly $40 million by 2027.

West Metro continues to evaluate its resources, plan for future needs, and provide information to the community about the changing costs and demands of emergency response.

Details on West Metro's Funding Challenges