What’s on the Ballot?
Aspen Fire Protection District has placed two funding proposals on the November 4, 2025 ballot to address rising emergency call volumes, increasing wildfire risk, risks to firefighter health and wellbeing, and aging fire stations.
Your YES Vote on BOTH Measures Will Help AFPD:
Increase wildfire detection, mitigation, and response
Improve 911 response times
Keep pace with growing emergency call volumes
Address critical infrastructure projects at all five fire stations
Support firefighter health, safety, and wellness
Replace aging fire trucks and equipment to reduce downtime
Attract, retain, and train firefighters, wildfire crews, and support staff
Diversify funding with a modest sales tax that shares the cost with thousands of tourists
Strengthen wildfire and emergency readiness without raising property tax rates
Investing in wildfire technology
Early Wildfire Detection System
Why Now?
Wildfire risk is growing across Colorado, and Aspen must be ready
911 call volumes increased 52% since 2013, with no signs of slowing
Costs are skyrocketing, while the Fire District’s revenues dropped by over $400,000 due to changes in the State’s property tax formula
More than one-third of AFPD’s frontline fire trucks are nearing the end of their service life, and it takes over four years to replace just one
Firefighters face a 9% higher risk of cancer, underscoring the need to expand the Fire District’s health and wellness efforts now
A stronger, more resilient Fire District protects lives and property, and may even help residents lower insurance costs or secure coverage that’s becoming increasingly harder to obtain
Top Ten Reasons to Vote YES! on Issue 6A and 6B!
Wildfire Threats Are Growing. More extreme wildfire conditions are impacting communities across Colorado, including Aspen and its surrounding communities. The proposals would help boost wildfire mitigation, detection, and response capabilities.
911 Calls Are Increasing. Emergency call volumes have risen 52% in the last decade alone. The Fire District needs resources to keep pace and respond quickly when it matters most.
Aging Equipment Puts Response at Risk. Over one-third of AFPD’s frontline vehicles are nearing the end of their service life, and it takes over four years to replace just one fire truck. Equipment and apparatus downtime can delay response times, putting lives and property at risk.
Firefighters Face Serious Health Risks. Firefighters have higher rates of cancer and face job-related mental health challenges. The proposals would support expanded health, wellness, and cancer prevention initiatives, including safer equipment.
Every Station Needs Upgrades. All five AFPD fire stations have critical maintenance needs, including HVAC, power backup, roof repairs, and sustainability improvements. Efficient stations are essential to efficient emergency response.
Modern Tools Make a Difference. Investments in early wildfire detection systems and upgraded equipment can help improve response times and reduce risk across the Fire District.
Seconds Count, and Staffing Matters. The Fire District needs to attract, retain, and train skilled firefighters, wildfire personnel, and support staff to remain ready for any emergency, when seconds count.
Homeowners Insurance Is Playing Hard to Get. Rising wildfire risk is driving up insurance premiums and making it more difficult to secure new policies. A stronger, more resilient Fire District can help address those concerns.
Diversified Funding Reduces Pressure on Locals. A 0.5% sales tax would bring in revenue from thousands of visitors and out-of-town shoppers, reducing the burden on local homeowners.
No Increase to Property Tax Rates. Issue 6B would simply extend an existing 0.24 mill levy, allowing AFPD to fund important infrastructure and vehicle upgrades, without raising property tax rates.
Issue 6B: Extension of an Existing Mill Levy
Aspen FPD seeks to extend an existing 0.24 mill levy. Voting to keep the mill levy in place would help the Fire District address high-priority infrastructure and deferred maintenance projects at fire stations, replace aging fire trucks, and extend the life of vital equipment, without increasing the tax rate.
Issue 6A: Half-Cent Sales Tax
AFPD does not currently have a sales tax in place. Voter approval of a 0.5% sales tax measure would help the Fire District fund more wildfire personnel, detection equipment, and firefighter wellness programs, with tourists and out-of-town shoppers helping share the cost.