HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Town Board Study Session 2008-01-08 Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, January 8, 2008
Minutes of a Regular meeting of the TOWN BOARD STUDY SESSION of
the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held at Town
Hall in said Town of Estes Park on the 8th day of January, 2008.
Committee: Mayor Baudek, Trustees Blackhurst, Eisenlauer, Homeier,
Levine, Newsom and Pinkham
Attending: All
Also Attending: Town Administrator Halburnt, Chief Dorman, Town Attorney
White and Town Clerk Williamson
Absent: None
Mayor Baudek called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
FIRE DEPARTMENT FEE SCHEDULE.
Town Administrator Halburnt stated the Public Safety Committee confirmed that a public
meeting should be held to gather input on charging for fire services in the county. Neil
Gulkman/Deputy County Manger has agreed to facilitate the meeting on January 15,
2008. Staff would present a recommendation to the Public Safety Committee at a
Special meeting to be held on January 23, 2008. All Board members are to attend this
meeting.
Administrator Halburnt reviewed the background on providing fire services, attempts to
create a fire district within the Estes Valley, the funding sources and the 2008 Fire
Department budget. She also stated the in-town residents pay 1.8 mils to offset all
governmental services including fire protection, while out-of-town residents pay nothing
for fire service. A charge for fire service to out-of-town residents is needed to offset the
cost of providing fire protection.
Chief Dorman reviewed a new proposal that includes a .5 mil levy increase for
properties in town limits and a 2.322 mil levy for properties in the county. This proposal
would address some of the concerns raised during the last fire district election regarding
tax parity. He stated .5 mils from each of the town and the county properties would be
used to fund the fire pension. The remaining 1.82 mils from the county would be used
to fund the Fire Department. He stated the increase fire pension funds would allow for
an increase in pensions and aid in the recruitment of new members.
Chief Dorman commented the most important issue at this time is the establishment of
a Fire District. He stated the proposal would generate approximately $65 for a home
valued at $350,000 which is half of the proposed flat fee of $130. The Fire Department
estimates a subscription fee would only generate $100,000 were as the proposed mil
levy increases could generate $160,000. In addition, the mil levies if passed would
save the Town $82,000 from the General Fund that is currently transferred to the fire
pension each year.
Discussion followed on the timing of the two elections; starting the subscription fee now
and eliminating it when a Fire District has been created; amending the IGA with the
county in order to charge the individual homeowners a subscription fee rather than the
HOAs; volunteers taking ownership of the outcome and contacting those that have
spoken out in the past against the creation of a Fire District.
There being no further business, Mayor Baudek adjourned the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Jackie Williamson, Town Clerk