Fire Chief Overpaid

The voters in Arvada recently gave Mr. Greer a raise. Well not literally. But in November of 2010 many voters did vote on ballot issue 5A which was a mill levy increase for the Arvada Fire Protection District. The race was very close with roughly  (56%) “YES” votes and (44%) “NO” votes

This was a special election and so had its own ballot which cost the district an extra $106,000. Of note is the fact that the financially struggling Fire Department could spend this much just to get a separate ballot. The initiative passed. So the Arvada Fire Protection District had an increase in funding. Most people probably knew this. The interesting part is how it happened and what it means

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Many people may not be aware of the money that was spent and the relationships that were formed to help this mill levy pass. Lots of money was spent by both the Fire Department and other organizations (i.e the Arvada Chamber of Commerce) to make this happen, while practically no money was spent to stop the measure. The current mill levy for the Arvada Fire Protection District is 14.71 mills by contrast it was 9.55 mills. What does that translate to in dollars? Well in 2010 the tax revenue for the Arvada Fire Protection District was $12,132,442. If there were 500 fires in Arvada, which is a huge number considering there were less than 500 fires in the entire state of Colorado in 2008; but if there were 500 fires in Arvada in one year the fire department would have $24,264.88 per fire to spend. That is over twelve million dollars! People are starting to think it might be a bit much. The blatant threats of closing fire departments is the only reason most people voted for this tax hike in the first place. Well played for now. The trouble is there is growing competition for the Arvada Fire Protection District that not even a special ballot can win them.

Pridemark Paramedic is a private ambulance service contracted by the City of Arvada to handle the city's 911 calls. They are a private company and they recently sold to a company called Rural Metro. Surprisingly, Rural Metro is also one of the largest providers of private fire departments in the state of Colorado. It would be safe to say that they have their eyes on Arvada for fire as well as paramedic services. If a private company can perform the same services at a lower price then perhaps we should consider firing Chief Greer

How about the election process for Fire Board Members, truth is they don't have them. They just reappoint themselves every year. 

"Arvada Fire District did not hold an election for District Board Directors in May of 2010.  There were three available positions and only three candidates for these positions.  

The new directors were elected by acclamation and took office at the regular District Board meeting on May 19, 2010.  Mathew Kramer Jr. will serve his first four-year term on the board. Gary “Mike” Kerr and Douglas J. Schneider will continue on the board for a second consecutive four-year term.  "

If any of this others or upsets you please contact

 Fire Chief Jon Greer

303-424-3012

They would love to hear your feedback.