EVMD Regular Meeting 9/19/2024 Recap
This is an unofficial summary of the Sept. 19, 2024 Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors of the EagleVail Metropolitan District produced by EVMD Communications staff. A draft of the minutes will be posted to the EVMD website once they are composed.
Board members present: McGuire, Hopkins, Barcza, Copeland
BOARD ACTION
- Board approval (4-0) of RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE PASSAGE OF EAGLE RIVER FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT BALLOT ISSUE 6A.
Background: Chief Bauer explained that eligible voters within the Eagle River Fire Protection District will be asked on the Nov. 5 ballot to approve a 0.79 percent sales tax (would not apply to groceries or prescription medicines) to help fund the District’s emergency services. The ballot question is a proposed sales tax (allowed by State of Colorado legislation) that would provide critical revenue to maintain the level of service currently provided by ERFPD and ensure that the District is properly staffed with well-maintained equipment, while asking visitors and tourists to help pay for the emergency services they rely upon.
The District is primarily funded through property taxes, explained Bauer. In accordance with the mill levy implemented by voters in 2012, the District’s mill levy rate dropped this year to 6.618 from 9.32 in 2023 to account for the recent assessment increases in Eagle County. That amount of funding is being outpaced by large increases in service calls and the impact of inflation on personnel, equipment and maintenance costs. Over the past five years, service calls have risen by 24 percent as the District’s population and visitation increases. ERFPD also faces challenges brought on by its aging population and increasing wildfire risk.
The District needs additional revenue to keep pace with these challenges. However, given recent increases in assessment rates, Bauer said the District does not want to ask homeowners and businesses for a property tax increase.
If voters approve, the sales tax would provide approximately $6.8 million per year. Those funds would be dedicated to:
- Maintaining fire equipment to extend their useful life and replacing firefighting vehicles when necessary
- Investing in up-to-date firefighter safety gear to protect our emergency personnel and ensure they are prepared to respond to any type of emergency
- Upgrading wildland firefighting equipment
- Providing adequate staffing to address increasing emergency call volume
- Improving and equipping current and future fire stations to maintain prompt response times
ADDITIONAL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS:
- ERFPD Hugh Fairfield-Smith presented a wildfire mitigation update.
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- The 2024 Chipping Program saw 112,250 pounds of material removed from EagleVail over a four-month period.
- EVMD Board Chair Tim McGuire clarified with Fairfield-Smith that 200 acres of treatable land remains in 2025, and treatment may not occur again for another 3-5 years.
- EVMD Board Member Lauren Barcza praised the efforts.
(See below for Wildfire Mitigation Informational Photos)
- District Manager Steven Barber reported to the Board that he received communication from the Swim Club Condos HOA president that the EVMD will be reimbursed for the cost of repairs to the Swim Club Condos private sewer line encroaching on District property.
- Kristin Kenney Williams, President, Commfluent Inc., said e-blast content has increased, with community residents saying email is the most effective form of communication. Williams also said the resurrected committees commenced in September and respective Board Members serving on those committees will report out at the October board meeting. Williams reported out the final results of the Enhance Communications Survey and recommendations therein.
- Barber further reported that he is working with staff on the 2025 budget.
- Additionally, feedback to date on striping bicycle advisory lanes has been positive. He is communicating with Eagle County’s Road and Bridge department regarding the installation of speed tables. The proposed intersection improvements are being tested currently as a pilot program. Board member Joanna Hopkins asked if the striping is necessary given that drivers and pedestrians have had time to adjust to the new paving on Stone Creek Blvd.
- Post improvements to the Pavilion Pond, inquiries for the Pavilion use have seen a major increase.
- Oct. 24 will be the next meeting of the Board, preceded by a Strat Ops meeting.
Golf Course & Parks/Recreation:
- After what seemed a fast but successful season, the golf courses are being put to bed with preparations to unveil a fantastic spring.
- The Sheriff’s Office is investigating the three occurrences of course damage; when asked if behavior by resident pet owners has improved with respect to the courses, the answer was no.
- The Par 3 is closed; Oct. 6 is closing date for the golf course. Peak season was strong for revenue, with strong demand, as well, for the Par 3.
Finance:
- 2025 Budget process under way. There will be a property tax revenue forecast increase of about $94,000. Finance Committee will review preliminary budget Sept. 26. A budget work session by the Board will take place Nov. 7, followed by a board decision Nov. 21.