This ballot issue proposes a modest 0.2% increase in the sales and use tax to strengthen public safety services in the City of Fruita. Revenue generated from the issue would be divided equally between the Lower Valley Fire Protection District and the Fruita Police Department, ensuring both fire and law enforcement services can continue to meet the needs of our rapidly growing community.

Even with this adjustment, Fruita’s sales tax rate would remain lower than that of the nearby City of Grand Junction. Fruita’s current sales tax rate is 8.27%, and the proposed increase would bring it to 8.47%, still below Grand Junction’s 8.66%. In practical terms, the increase amounts to approximately 20 cents for every $100 spent.

Over the past year, emergency calls for fire services have increased by 10%, while staffing levels have remained unchanged. At the same time, Fruita continues to experience significant residential and commercial growth. Without additional resources, maintaining safe response times, responding quickly to emergencies, and providing proactive fire prevention services will become increasingly challenging.

If approved, this issue will support the hiring of three additional Firefighter/EMTs and one Fire Inspector over the next five years, as well as additional police officers to strengthen patrol operations, improve traffic safety, and support animal control services. The issue will also help fund recruitment and retention efforts to ensure we can attract and retain highly qualified public safety professionals.

In addition, revenue will address critical capital needs, including replacing aging fire apparatus—some of which are now more than 20 years old—and purchasing essential equipment for Fire, Police, and Emergency Services. Maintaining reliable, modern equipment is vital to protecting both residents and first responders.

If the issue does not pass, plans to increase staffing will likely be delayed, replacement of aging apparatus will be postponed, and the community’s ability to safely manage continued growth may be limited.

This modest investment will help ensure that Fruita remains a safe and well-protected community today and into the future. Supporting this issue is a vote for public safety, responsible growth, and continued protection for residents, businesses, and visitors.

The Lower Valley Professional Firefighters Local 5265 supports ballot issue “Referred Issue (Measure) A.”