Editor:
Safety. Health care. Education. These essential services are the backbone of a healthy and thriving community. Last year, this community said “yes” to education. We recognize the indicators of a healthy community, and we voted to support one of those services. This year, our citizens are being asked to support one of the most essential services we have in this historically dry and fire-prone community, by voting to raise $360,000 through a modest increase in property taxes.
The Cortez Fire Protection District has a solid, well-developed plan for this increased revenue. This funding will be used to replace outdated equipment, upgrade essential safety equipment, and provide training that will protect our local firefighters. A long-range plan for apparatus replacement will ensure that our tax dollars are being used as efficiently as possible. The number of calls the Cortez Fire Protection District responds to has increased by 142 percent in the past seven years alone.
There’s no need to use scare tactics to encourage you to vote “yes” on Referendum 5A CFPD. We all know that fire protection is a necessity in our region, which can become a literal tinderbox at times. We live in a beautiful environment, but it does come at a price. The Cortez Fire Protection District isn’t asking for a Band-Aid. It has a well-developed, smart plan in place to utilize this funding, and have developed a long-range plan for regular replacement of aging equipment that will ensure our firefighters are safe and equipped with has proper tools to protect our property and our lives.
The blue books have gone out for those of you that receive them, and the ballots will be coming out soon. We encourage you to vote yes on Referendum 5A CFPD. If you have any questions about this ballot issue, please contact the Cortez Fire Protection District, or visit the office at 23 N. Washington St., just behind the fire station. Join us in supporting the essential services that promote the health of this community for years to come.
Board of Directors
Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce