On November 4th, 2025, voters will be asked to consider if property taxes should be increased to support volunteer fire protection services.

Who gets to vote on this question?

Colorado registered voters that reside in the City of Gunnison or in the Gunnison County Fire Protection District (“District”).  Additionally, Colorado registered voters that own property within the District but that do not reside in the District will receive a ballot.  

Who is asking for the tax increase?

The City of Gunnison and the District are legally two separate taxing jurisdictions.  The City has contracted all fire protection services to the District.  The City and District are both asking voters to consider the same property tax.  State and federal grants are insufficient to fund the replacement of the station, and not available for operations.

Why is a tax increase being requested?

Two reasons: (1) fund a fire station replacement, and (2) dedicate funds to operating a volunteer fire department.  If approved by voters, the tax revenue could not legally be spent for any other purposes.  The cost to replace the existing fire station is $35 million.  Current revenues are insufficient to pay for this expenditure, and a loan is required.  Additionally, current funding for fire services competes with other community needs – a dedicated revenue source would ensure adequate resources are allocated for fire protection services.  The volunteer firefighters respond to structure fires, vehicle accidents, wildland fires, hazmat incidents, swiftwater rescue, and other incidents.

Why does the fire station need replaced?

The current facility is beyond its useful life.  Over 50 years ago, the firefighters converted a metal storage building into a firehouse.  Today, it does not provide a safe environment for the 40 volunteers that serve our community as firefighters.  Maintaining the building is no longer cost effective, energy costs are high, and space is limited.  Nearly $17 million in equipment assets are unprotected because the building doesn’t meet basic building or fire codes.  Replacing the structure will address these issues for the next 50-100 years.  The Gunnison firehouse provides a central location for apparatus responding to all hazards.

Where do the volunteers respond?

The Gunnison Volunteer Fire Department has the largest response area for a fire department  (paid or unpaid) in Colorado, covering calls over 2,700 square miles, including 200 miles of highway and remote locations in Gunnison County and portions of Saguache County.  

Isn't there a new facility by the Gunnison Recreation Center?

No.  The new facility by the recreation center is for the hospital and home to paramedics.  Fire and EMS work closely together but are legally separate entities with different funding mechanisms and different space requirements.

They just built a new fire station in Crested Butte; why do we need another one?

See the map above.  Crested Butte and the area immediately around it are served by a paid fire department that is separate from the Gunnison Volunteer Fire Department.

How long will the tax exist?

If approved by voters, the property tax dedicated to funding the fire station will exist for a maximum of 20 years – this is how long it will take to pay off the loan.  The dedicated property tax for operating expenses would exist in perpetuity or until voters approved a change.

Where will the new station go?

The fire station will be replaced at its existing location – 217 W. New York Avenue – with an expansion to the south.  Other locations were considered but were either cost prohibitive, not for sale, or negatively impacted response times.

When will the project be constructed?

If approved by voters, design and construction would begin in 2026 with completion by 2028.  The prime contractor has been selected and numerous opportunities for local contractor engagement exist.

How much is the tax increase?

The ballot measures request voters consider 12.5 mill levies to fund the fire station and operating expenses.  After 20 years, the mill levy would reduce to 6.0 mills.  The total mill levy in the City and District would be the same.  However, the “increase” is different in each jurisdiction because property owners in the District already pay 4.5 mills for fire services.  Property owners in the City do not pay a dedicated tax (of any kind) to fire services. 

To calculate the annual impact to an individual property, use the pull down menu at the top of this page for instructions.  The mills are applied to the “Local Govt. Assessed Value,” not “Actual Values.”