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Council sends 0.4% sales-tax question to November ballot to fund fire, EMS and street repairs
Summary
Westminster City Council voted 6-1 to place a 0.4% sales and use tax question on the Nov. 4, 2025 ballot to hire firefighters, build and modernize fire stations and provide a minimum of $2 million a year for neighborhood streets; City Manager Jody Andrews and councilors outlined specific uses and an auditable reporting commitment.
Westminster City Council voted 6-1 on Aug. 25 to place a 0.4% sales and use tax question before voters at the Nov. 4, 2025 coordinated election to reduce emergency medical and fire response times, maintain emergency services citywide, construct a new fire station, rebuild an aged fire station, and improve neighborhood streets.
City Manager Jody Andrews told council the ballot language lists four specific uses: “Reduce response time and maintain emergency services citywide by hiring a minimum of 30 firefighters, emergency medical, and support personnel, including personnel for new stations in North and Central Westminster; construct and operate a new fire station in Central Westminster; provide and maintain emergency vehicles and equipment and modernize facilities, including rebuilding Station Number 3; and improve, maintain, and prioritize neighborhood streets and city roadways with a minimum of $2,000,000 annually.” He said the city will track positions and equipment funded by the measure in an auditable report, as was done for a prior voter-approved public safety measure.
Council debate emphasized public-safety urgency and fiscal transparency. Councilor Obi Izzati, an EMT, said, “when seconds count, underfunded emergency services can mean the difference between life and death,” and urged passage. Supporters cited rising call volumes and aging facilities; opponents raised concerns about the local tax burden. Councilor Christine Ireland voted no, saying she opposed raising sales tax now and questioned whether the ballot text should more clearly state the expected final sales-tax rate for residents.
Council members and staff said the ballot question is intended to fund at least 30 new firefighter/EMS/support positions, create two new stations (including one in Central Westminster), modernize equipment and facilities, and dedicate at least $2 million annually to streets. Andrews said the city will publish auditable reporting showing how revenue is spent and which positions and apparatus are supported by the measure if voters approve it.
The procedural motion to place the question on the ballot was moved by Councilor DeMott and seconded by Councilor Hutt. Roll-call votes were recorded as: DeMott — yes; Izzati — yes; Hutt — yes; McNally (Mayor) — yes; Mayor Pro Tem Sarah Narmela — yes; Ireland — no; Carmelia — yes. The motion passed 6-1.
If approved by voters, the council and staff said the city would phase hires and capital work, and provide regular public accounting of how proceeds are expended.
Proponents have already organized a citizens group and informational material; staff said further public outreach will be handled outside the city’s resources in compliance with Colorado Fair Campaign Practices Act restrictions.
