Clifton Fire Protection District funding:

CFPD is primarily funded by a voter-approved 11.552 mill levy that supports staffing, operations, maintenance and other expenses. District’s recent fiscal stewardship and taxpayer accountability efforts include:

• Working in recent years to rebuild an operating reserve to be used in case of a natural disaster or other budgetary emergency and to fund capital improvements such as vehicle and equipment replacements.
• Replacing and updating a fire engine, 2 ambulances, water-rescue boat and 2 support vehicles without using any debt or borrowing.

Sales-tax proposal:

CFPD is considering a 1% sales tax initiative to improve emergency-response times, firefighter safety, and district-wide service. This would fund the construction and operation of two essential fire stations—one to replace the aging 1980s-era station and one new satellite station in the southern part of the district, where response times are currently delayed.

A 1% sales tax is estimated to generate $2.5 million annually, providing sustainable, local funding—shared by residents and visitors—that supports community safety and avoids burdening property owners alone. Even with the increase, Clifton’s total sales tax would remain below neighboring Grand Junction (8.66%) and Palisade (7.27%).

CFPD is considering a 1% sales tax to improve emergency response, firefighter safety, and district-wide service. The tax would fund:

• Construction of a modern station and a new satellite station to improve coverage and response times
• Enhanced water rescue response and wildland fire readiness
• Recruiting and retaining additional firefighters and emergency medical personnel

This measure supports:

• Faster, more reliable emergency response
• Healthier, safer working conditions for firefighters
• A stronger, safer community

Why a New Station—and a Second Station—Matters

Clifton’s only fire station was built in the 1980s—before modern 24/7 emergency service demands. The station must accommodate the department’s primary emergency equipment, including:

• 75-foot ladder truck
• 2 fire engines
• Brush truck
• Water-rescue boat
• 3 ambulances

Despite multiple remodels, the building remains inadequate.

• Lacks proper gear decontamination and training space
• Cannot safely or adequately house today’s full-time crews
• Has structural defects, confirmed by a recent engineering study
• Not centrally located, increasing response times to parts of the district

With 4,400+ emergency calls per year, CFPD ranks among the busiest single-station fire departments in Colorado. To keep pace, we must modernize.

We Need Your Voice!

Your feedback will directly shape how this proposal moves forward. Visit Clifton Fire Protection District Community Feedback to take a short 2-minute survey. Your input will help build a safer Clifton.

• All tax revenue will be subject to annual independent audits and citizen oversight.
• A 1% sales tax equals just 1 cent per dollar spent—and helps keep your property taxes low.