A Potential Ballot Measure for Buena Vista

The Chaffee County Fire Protection District is considering a potential November 2026 ballot measure to formally include the Town of Buena Vista within the District. If referred to the ballot, only registered voters in the Town of Buena Vista would be eligible to vote on this measure.

Buena Vista residents already receive fire protection services from the Chaffee County Fire Protection District through an agreement with the Town. This potential measure, if it moves forward, would make that relationship formal and permanent – with no tax increase for any property owner.

The District is sharing this information so that community members can learn more and ask questions as the Board considers next steps.

 

About the District

The Chaffee County Fire Protection District is an independent special district.  We are not part of the Chaffee County government. 

The District is governed by an elected Board of Directors and funded primarily through a property tax called a mill levy, along with development impact fees.

We provide fire prevention, suppression, rescue, and wildfire response services across:

●     Unincorporated Chaffee County

●     Poncha Springs

●     Buena Vista through the current Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA)

Now celebrating our 50th anniversary, the District has never asked voters for a tax increase.

What We Do

The District provides:

●     Fire prevention, suppression, and rescue services

●     Wildfire response and mitigation across approximately 1,000 square miles

●     Backup support for Chaffee County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) when needed

●     Emergency response operations from six stations across the District

 

The district currently operates with:

●     51 pieces of apparatus and specialized equipment

●     10 career personnel plus 40 volunteers, seven days a week

 

Call Volume is Growing

Emergency calls have increased 26% over the past five years – from 514 calls in 2021 to 650 calls in 2025.

 

As demand in the community grows, so does the need for sustainable, well-equipped fire protection services.

What is Being Considered

The District is considering a ballot measure that would ask Buena Vista voters whether the Town should formally become part of the Chaffee County Fire Protection District. 

 

Buena Vista already receives fire protection services from the District today through the existing IGA.

 

If approved by voters, Buena Vista would become a permanent part of the District.

What Would Change?

If Buena Vista voters approve the measure:

●     Buena Vista would formally become part of the District

●     Buena Vista residents could vote in the District Board elections

●     Buena Vista residents could run for and serve on the Board of Directors

●     Fire protection funding would go directly to the District instead of through the Town’s current IGA structure

 

Fire services would continue as they do today

What Would Not Change?

The following would remain the same:

●     The level and quality of fire protection services

●     Fire stations, personnel, and emergency response operations

●     Amount in property taxes paid for fire protection services

 

Of the total property taxes paid to the Town of Buena Vista by property owners, the equivalent of 3.963 mills is transferred to the District, through the current IGA, for fire protection services. 

 

If the potential measure is approved, those same funds would go directly to the District instead of through the Town. The dollar amount paid by property owners would not change.

 

What Would This Mean for Buena Vista Residents?

Today, Buena Vista residents cannot vote in District elections or serve on the Fire District Board of Directors.

 

If voters approve the measure, Buena Vista residents would gain representation in District governance through the ability to:

●     Vote in District Board elections

●     Run for and serve on the Board of Directors

 

No Decisions Have Been Made

The District Board of Directors has not yet decided whether to refer this question to the November 2026 ballot. 

 

The District is committed to providing information and opportunities for community input as the Board considers next steps.

 

Get Involved and Stay Informed

Attend an Open House

The District plans to host community open houses where residents can learn more, ask questions, and provide feedback.

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Frequently Asked Questions: