Clear Creek County begins ballot planning discussions after public‑safety survey draft and CCFA funding proposal

Clear Creek County commissioners and municipal partners reviewed a draft public-safety financing survey, discussed funding options for county emergency services and the Clear Creek Fire Authority (CCFA), and set follow-up steps to gather more data and public feedback.

County staff walked the group through a public‑safety financing survey and an illustrated estimate that a 2.0 percentage-point increase in sales tax would generate roughly $5.2 million annually. The survey packet also included a summary of county budget pressures, a review of 9‑1‑1 surcharge limitations and background on the Community Crisis and Health Assistance Team (CHAT), which staff said is nearly entirely grant-funded at present.

The meeting included a focused presentation of CCFA’s “good” financial goal, the product of recent staff and CCFA board discussions. County staff said the “good” package seeks to: close CCFA’s operating deficit; fund a dedicated fire marshal position; invest $500,000 annually in capital; cover a remaining portion of a previously identified funding gap for 2024 operations; and expand a mitigation (mid) crew to year‑round operations. Staff framed that package as a…