Information is a powerful tool. I would have hoped that the person who wrote the con statement had used the information available in the State Statutes to accurately portray what fire districts can and cannot do. It is illegal for fire districts to do what the person has stated. Fire districts cannot bill insurance companies for services within their districts for fire suppression, medical calls and for auto accidents, contract for services, spend District monies on political issues or charge impact fees. Misinformation and emotions do not mix well with the facts.Yes, Falcon’s budget has grown with the increase in housing in the District. What is not mentioned is that tax collection on these properties is 24 to 48 months after the fact. Also not mentioned are the costs of the paid staff, their salaries and benefit increases, consume 50% of the District’s annual budget. The cost of fuel has increased 300% since 2000 as well as the costs of utilities, costs that the District has no control over. Falcon is the only Fire District in El Paso County that pays for the water that comes out of the hydrant next to their station.In actuality, the Fire District is playing catch up with growth. Yes, I understand that I will pay approximately $100 more per year for the bond and mill levy combined. That is less than a bale of hay or a grande cafÈ latte every two weeks. I also understand that the District has the ability to pre-pay the bond debt in ten to fifteen years versus the twenty it has requested. This would greatly reduce the interest paid on the bond issue. Or the District can reduce our mill levy every year and pay the debt within twenty years.For this, I will have a fire/EMS department that will be closer to my house. Therefore, if there was a structure fire at Eastonville and Murphy as well as a medical call at Jones and Curtis, their highly trained personnel will respond to both scenes with the training and equipment needed to safely and expediently complete their duties.Comparing apples and oranges (Falcon to Peyton) which are polar opposites does not help anyone make an informed decision. Please feel free to sit in on a Peyton Fire District Board Meeting and a Falcon Fire District Board Meeting and decide for yourselves. Ask the tough questions and demand direct answers.The Board of Directors has been and continues to be fiscally responsible to the taxpayers and constituents of the District. I will be voting YES on Falcon Fire District’s requests for a bond and mill levy override, issues 5b and 5c.Thank you.Alex Donnell
