During the November 2024 election, Westminster residents will have the opportunity to vote on a proposed sales and use tax increase of 0.5%—or an additional five cents on every ten-dollar purchase. The ballot measure aims to address critical needs within the Westminster Fire Department by funding the hiring of approximately 45 new firefighters and paramedics, constructing two new fire stations, modernizing three existing stations, and investing in state-of-the-art firefighting equipment. If approved by voters, the tax increase is expected to generate around $19 million annually from shoppers in the north metro Denver area.
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Since 2003, the Westminster Fire Department has seen a dramatic increase in service calls, rising from approximately 7,000 to more than 17,000 in 2023. Currently, two areas of the city fall outside the Fire Department’s target four-minute travel response time. While mutual aid agreements provide critical support, the support received doesn’t meet the department’s response standard. The proposed fire stations and additional firefighters would strengthen and improve coverage throughout the city.
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The funding from the proposed tax increase would also support the construction of a modern fire training facility within Westminster. Currently, fire personnel must travel outside the city to use shared training resources. The new facility would not only enhance the training of fire personnel but would also serve a citywide emergency and tactical training facility. Additionally, the revenue would facilitate the acquisition of advanced firefighting equipment, ensuring the department is equipped to handle the most challenging emergencies effectively.
Economic Impact and Community Benefits:
Westminster City Council passed Resolution 22, by a 6-1 vote on August 26, 2024, to place the proposed question on the November 5 ballot. A detailed plan outlining the allocation of funds and the anticipated improvements can be found in the City’s proposal here.
Westminster residents will be asked to vote yes or no on the below ballot question in November 2024:
Shall City of Westminster taxes be increased by $19 million annually in the first full fiscal year and by such amounts as are raised annually thereafter by increasing the existing city sales and use tax by 0.5%, with one-half of such additional tax authorization to expire on January 1, 2045, and the resulting tax revenues being used to: