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5 Major Updates: Inside The Cimarron Hills Fire Protection District's 2025 Transformation And New 2026 Tax

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The Cimarron Hills Fire Protection District (CHFPD) is currently undergoing one of its most significant periods of strategic growth and operational modernization, driven by a successfully approved budget and a new community-supported funding mechanism. As of late 2025, the District, which serves a vital area within El Paso County, Colorado, is aggressively moving forward with capital improvements and staffing enhancements designed to boost emergency response capabilities and overall community safety, ensuring residents receive progressive, quality emergency and non-emergency services.

This dynamic period is marked by critical investments in new apparatus, the finalization of major facility projects, and the implementation of a new local sales tax to secure long-term financial stability. The leadership and the Board of Directors have clearly outlined their vision for 2025 and 2026, focusing on equipment upgrades, infrastructure development, and proactive measures against statewide legislative challenges, all while maintaining fiscal transparency for the citizens they protect.

Cimarron Hills Fire Protection District: Key Leadership and Operations Profile

The Cimarron Hills Fire Protection District is a quasi-municipal corporation dedicated to protecting life and property within its jurisdiction in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

  • Location: 1835 Tuskegee Pl, Colorado Springs, CO 80915
  • Governing Body: A five-member elected Board of Directors.
  • Primary Function: Providing progressive quality emergency and non-emergency services.
  • Key Board Members (as of late 2025):
    • Erika Gass (President)
    • Alissa McCartney (Secretary)
  • Chief Officer: Chief Joyce (mentioned in 2024 minutes discussing the new El Paso County Deputy Fire Warden)
  • Service Area: A significant portion of El Paso County, Colorado.

The 2025 Budget and the Triumph of Ballot Measure 6A

The financial foundation for the District's current wave of modernization was solidified with the approval of the Cimarron Hills Fire Protection District 2025 Budget, which was formally approved in late 2024. This budget laid the groundwork for significant operational and capital expenditures, but the true game-changer was the community's support for a critical funding measure.

Community Support and the $2.9 Million Tax Increase

In a crucial display of community trust, Cimarron Hills residents voted in favor of Ballot Measure 6A. This successful vote was pivotal, allowing the District to increase its taxes by an estimated $2,900,000 annually. The funding increase was necessary to keep pace with rising operational costs, maintain competitive staffing levels, and invest in desperately needed modern equipment. The District publicly thanked the community for their overwhelming support, which ensures the continuation of high-quality fire and EMS services.

The New 1% Sales Tax Effective January 2026

Further bolstering the District's financial security and long-term planning is the impending implementation of a new 1% Sales Tax. This tax, which will affect all businesses and vendors operating within the Cimarron Hills Fire Protection District, is scheduled to become effective on January 1, 2026. This dedicated revenue stream is designed to provide a stable, ongoing source of funding, mitigating reliance solely on property taxes and allowing for predictable capital improvement cycles, such as the replacement of aging fire apparatus and facility maintenance.

Critical 2025-2026 Operational Goals and Equipment Upgrades

The approved funding has translated directly into a concrete list of goals and priorities for 2025 and extending into 2026. These objectives are centered on enhancing emergency response capabilities through state-of-the-art equipment and infrastructure completion.

1. New Ambulance Arrival and Enhanced EMS Capabilities

A major focus for the 2025 calendar year is the acquisition of a new ambulance. This new apparatus is expected to arrive in late 2025, significantly upgrading the District's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) fleet. Replacing older units ensures greater reliability, better safety features for both personnel and patients, and the ability to carry the latest medical technology, all of which are crucial for timely and effective medical aid in El Paso County.

2. Planning for the Next Ladder Truck

Looking ahead to the 2026-2028 timeframe, the CHFPD is prioritizing the replacement of a key piece of firefighting equipment: the Ladder Truck. The District is actively engaged in the process of finalizing specifications for this vital vehicle. A modern ladder truck is essential for fighting fires in multi-story structures and providing high-angle rescue capabilities, directly impacting the safety of properties and residents in the growing Cimarron Hills area.

3. The 1015 Valley Street Project Completion

Infrastructure development is another cornerstone of the District's current initiatives. The goal to "Finish 1015 Valley Street" is listed among the 2025 goals. While the exact nature of this project varies, facility construction or renovation is a common need for fire protection districts to accommodate modern equipment, provide adequate training space, and improve living conditions for fire personnel. Its completion will mark a significant milestone in upgrading the District's physical assets.

Strategic Management and Future Challenges for CHFPD

Beyond equipment and budget, the Cimarron Hills Fire Protection District is proactively addressing complex administrative and legislative challenges to maintain its operational integrity and efficiency. This demonstrates a commitment to not just fighting fires, but also ensuring the long-term sustainability of the District.

Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) Resolution

The Board of Directors passed Resolution 2025-002, which authorizes the use of Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) for future projects. IPD is a project delivery method that integrates people, systems, business structures, and practices into a process that collaboratively harnesses the talents and insights of all participants to optimize project results. By adopting this method, the District is positioning itself to manage complex construction projects, such as station renovations or new builds, more efficiently, on time, and within budget, recognizing the "various challenges and opportunities" relevant to construction.

Navigating Statewide Legislative Proposals

The District has also taken a strong stance on state-level legislation that could impact local fire protection services. Specifically, the Board passed a resolution in opposition to certain statewide proposals, such as the general sentiment around SB24-194, which they argue could potentially undermine local control or impose unwarranted changes. The CHFPD Board affirmed its commitment to protecting the lives and properties of its residents by standing on the side of safety and local decision-making, ensuring that any changes are those "they don't want or need."

Development Review Concerns

As the Cimarron Hills area continues to develop, the Fire Protection District plays a critical role in the planning process. Records indicate that the CHFPD actively participates in development plan reviews, often expressing "concerns" to ensure new construction meets necessary fire codes and safety requirements. This proactive engagement is vital for managing the increased demands on emergency services that come with population and infrastructure growth, ensuring that all new properties are as safe as possible from fire hazards.

The Cimarron Hills Fire Protection District’s comprehensive strategy for 2025 and 2026, encompassing financial stability through the new 1% sales tax, significant capital investment in a new ambulance and ladder truck, and proactive governance through IPD and legislative advocacy, paints a clear picture of a dedicated service focused on continuous improvement. Residents of El Paso County can expect a more robust, well-equipped, and financially secure fire department prepared to meet the challenges of a growing community.

cimarron hills fire protection district
cimarron hills fire protection district

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