Hugo Fire Property Tax Increase

Hugo Fire Protection District Ballot Issue 6A adds 5.000 mills to the district's existing property tax of 3.500 mills, for a total of 8.500 mills. As an example, at 5.000 added mills, $100,000 of taxable assessed value owes $500 more a year. The increase begins in levy year 2026, for collection in calendar year 2027. The question puts the increase at $230,201.71 in the first full fiscal year and sets no end date.

The question lists four uses for the money: constructing and equipping a new fire station; providing emergency medical and ambulance services; providing fire protection and all-hazards services; and all other capital, administrative and operational expenses. That last use means the money is not limited to the station and the named services.

All revenue from the added tax and any earnings on it become a permanent voter-approved revenue change under the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution). They are also an exception to the limits in section 29-1-301 of the Colorado Revised Statutes and any other law. The question requires the district to publish an annual independent audit of the funds.

Issue 6A appears on three versions of the Lincoln County ballot, and two of them also carry Lincoln County Ballot Issue 1A, which raises the county lodging tax from 2% to 6% beginning July 1, 2027. A local appointed board allocates the added 4%, and the purposes the county question lists include fire protection and emergency medical services. Voters decide the two questions separately.