A new state resolution unveiled today would let first responders write off a portion of their property taxes.
SCR25-001 would apply to cops, deputies, firefighters, EMTs and dispatchers. It comes to lawmakers as a “Senate concurrent resolution,” meaning it must win approval with the state House and Senate before going to a ballot. If approved by voters, this property-tax perk would be written into the state Constitution.
Tax relief is based on tenure and loyalty, and comes with safety nets for families:
- 50% if the first responder served for at least 30 years, or if the first responder served for at least one year and, while providing first responder services, died or was critically injured in a way that prevented the first responder from serving post-injury;
- 40% if the first responder served for at least 20 years; and
- 10% if the first responder served for at least 10 years and remained in service as a first responder at the close of the applicable property tax year.
The concurrent resolution exempts from taxation a percentage of the actual value of a volunteer first responder’s primary residence as follows:
- 30% if the volunteer first responder served for at least 30 years; and
- 20% if the volunteer first responder served for at least 20 years.
Supporters say this keeps first responders in the communities they serve. Behind the bill is Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell, who is urging first responders statewide to testify on the bill’s behalf.
“The purpose of this bill is to assist first responders to allow them to live in our communities, which will bolster recruitment and longevity within our volunteer and full-time fire districts and stations, health service (EMS and paramedic) districts, and sheriff and police jurisdictions,” Teller County Sheriff’s Office writes in a statement.
For decades, resort town police and fire departments have relied on commuters from outside their counties.