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New West Metro Fire Rescue chief tells commissioners rising costs threaten district financial sustainability
Summary
West Metro Fire Rescue’s newly sworn Chief Jeremy Metz told Jefferson County commissioners on Oct. 14 that rising equipment costs, longer vehicle lead times and state legislative changes affecting property tax collections have created financial pressure and prompted district consideration of impact fees, sales tax or other revenue measures.
Jeremy Metz, the newly sworn fire chief of West Metro Fire Rescue, told the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners on Oct. 14 that the district faces rising costs for apparatus and lifesaving equipment and that recent state legislative changes have complicated property‑tax revenue collection for special districts.
Metz said West Metro operates over roughly 110 square miles with 16 stations in Jefferson County and responds to more than 42,000 calls annually. He cited specific cost increases: a fire engine that cost about $675,000 in 2019 now costs more than $1.2 million, and lead times for engines have increased from 18 months in 2019 to four to five years; cardiac monitors that were around $25,000 in 2018–2019 are approaching $50,000 for replacements. Metz said many West Metro firefighters are also paramedics and that ambulance and medical‑equipment costs factor into district budgeting.
Metz said one of his major goals is to pursue financial sustainability for the district, working with the board of directors to consider options such as impact fees, sales tax or other revenue sources. He said the district will be transparent with the community about potential changes. Commissioners thanked Metz for introducing himself and indicated they looked forward to partnering on legislative and safety issues.
This was an informational public comment; the board did not take action at the meeting in response to Metz’s remarks.
