Centennial council backs South Metro Fire Rescue ballot measure, citing service levels and rising equipment costs

The Centennial City Council voted Oct. 7 to approve Resolution 2025-R-44, endorsing a yes vote on South Metro Fire Rescue Fire Protection District Ballot Issue 7A at the Nov. 4, 2025 general election. The motion carried with eight ayes.

The resolution expresses the council's support for the district's ballot measure, which city speakers described as a property-tax-funded request to sustain fire and emergency medical services. The item was brought back to council for discussion after an earlier request; staff said neighboring jurisdictions were also considering similar resolutions.

A member of the public, Bennett Rutledge of East Maplewood Way in Centennial, spoke during public comment opposing higher property taxes and said rising property valuations have already increased property tax bills for some households. "This is calling for a $50,000,000 increase in property tax collections," Rutledge said, urging council to remember residents with limited means.

Council discussion in favor of the resolution focused on South Metro Fire Rescue's service levels and costs. Councilmember Alston noted equipment costs have risen steeply, saying there has been "about an 80% increase in the cost of fire engines" and a substantial rise in other emergency-equipment costs. Councilmember Sweetland said district services produce insurance discounts for homeowners and cited an estimate of about $120 per year for the average Centennial homeowner living in a $700,000 house if the measure passes; she also noted Highlands Ranch and Parker were moving forward with similar endorsements.

Councilmember Austin voiced support as well, calling out the broad range of services the district provides beyond fire suppression, including frequent emergency medical responses that serve residents, particularly older adults. Councilmember Alston and others highlighted that when fire personnel treat a resident on scene and do not transport, there is typically no ambulance fee to the resident, a service component the district provides as part of its public-safety role.

City staff advised council that under City Council Policy 2017-CCP-02 a resolution of this type requires seven council votes to pass; council obtained the necessary support and approved the resolution. Mayor Pro Tem Sutherland moved the resolution; a second was recorded and the motion carried with eight ayes.

Notes: the council's action is an expression of support and does not change the district's ballot language or tax authority. A member of the public raised fiscal concerns during public comment; those remarks are recorded but did not change the council's endorsement vote.