Staffing and Capital Plan:

CCFA is recommending the following options to address its staffing, equipment and maintenance needs. The following plan will maintain service levels, address the budget deficit and allow CCFA to repay its emergency reserves.

Funding options:

The CCFA board and member jurisdictions are considering several options to fully fund the $3.6 million Staffing and Capital Plan. This will address the operating shortfall and provide service at the level expected by our communities and residents.

Voters in Clear Creak County would have to approve any tax increase at a countywide election if the authority’s member jurisdictions decide to pursue either or both of these funding options.

Funding options currently under review include:

Sales tax: A dedicated 1.45% sales tax on purchases within the county and the municipalities of Empire, Georgetown, Idaho Springs and Silver Plume. This sales tax would raise approximately $3.6 million per year.

• This sales tax would ensure direct contributions to fire service by tourists and travelers visiting Clear Creek County, potentially reducing the tax impact for local residents.

• Adding this sales tax would increase the overall sales tax to 12% in Empire and Idaho Springs, 11.5% in Georgetown, 10% in Silver Plume and 7% in unincorporated Clear Creek County.

Mill levy: A new, increased property tax of 14.67 mills, for use only by CCFA, levied within the Emergency Services District and applied to residential, commercial and other properties in unincorporated Clear Creek County and the municipalities of Empire, Georgetown, Idaho Springs and Silver Plume.

• Property tax would be approximately $450 per year for $450,000 value home in the county and about $409 per year for every $100,000 in commercial value.