04/14/2025
Fellow citizens of Berthoud-please take a moment and read the following letter of support for the Berthoud Fire Protection District's Ballot Measure
April 10, 2025
To the Citizens of the Berthoud Fire Protection District,
As retired Berthoud Fire Officers, we write to express our full support for the upcoming ballot measure that seeks to authorize the Berthoud Fire Protection District to implement a 1.0% sales tax on qualifying goods within the District, effective July 1, 2025.
We understand the critical role the Fire District plays in our community, providing fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue, wildfire mitigation, and more, to residents, businesses, and visitors. As former firefighters, we have seen firsthand how the demand on the District has grown over the years, especially with a significant increase in emergency calls and the ever-expanding growth of our area.
Since the last revenue increase in 2001, the costs to provide these vital services have far outpaced the District's ability to fund them. Over the past two decades, the Fire District's expenses have risen by 18.7% more than the revenues. Property taxes, which have historically been the primary source of funding for the District, have been negatively impacted, creating a significant financial gap. This sales tax is a necessary step to ensure that the Fire District can continue to provide the high level of service that our community needs and deserves.
The proposed sales tax is designed to minimize its impact on families by excluding many essential goods, such as food, prescription drugs, medical supplies, and utility services. In addition, it will share financial responsibility with non-residents who visit, work, and travel through our District. With an estimated 109,000 vehicles passing through daily and over half a million visitors to Carter Lake annually, this tax will spread the burden across a larger pool of contributors, helping to alleviate the financial strain on property owners.
We also recognize that the need for emergency services does not slow down, regardless of economic challenges. The 1.0% sales tax will allow the Fire District to maintain staffing levels, replace aging equipment, and continue critical training programs for responders. It will help ensure that we are able to keep up with the growing demands of our community without sacrificing the quality of service that residents rely on during their times of need.
As retirees who dedicated many years to serving this community, we believe this measure is an essential step in securing the future of the Berthoud Fire Protection District. We urge all voters to consider the long-term benefits of this proposal and support it on May 6, 2025.
Thank you for your time and for your continued support of our firefighters.
Sincerely,
The Retired Berthoud Fire Officers
John Beck
Pete Cowdin
Paul Rimsky
Jerry Ward
