If Ballot Measure 7A doesn't pass this Election Day, South Metro Fire Rescue could face delays and shortages

On Election Day, voters in Jefferson, Arapahoe and Douglas counties will determine if they want to increase their property taxes next year with Ballot Measure 7A .

It’s a request from South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) — one of Colorado’s largest fire departments — to address a $500 million shortage over the next decade.

According to Colorado State Fire Chiefs (CSFC), a group that has worked with state legislators to create the ballot initiative, departments across Colorado are set to lose $539 million in revenue over the next five years because of decreasing property tax revenue and rising demand.

Watkins said it will all have a direct impact on how the fire department responds to calls.

“Firefighters will do everything they can to get the job done,” Watkins said. “We get used to doing