Clear Creek leaders review survey showing support for sales-tax option to fund fire authority; education and outreach next steps set

At a joint meeting of the Clear Creek County Board of County Commissioners and municipal leaders, consultants presented results of a public survey about the Clear Creek Fire Authority and funding options, and leaders agreed on steps for public education and further analysis.

Consultant Bill Ray, who presented the survey, said the poll showed that “the fire authority has a high approval rating” among respondents and that residents also showed “a strong rating of confidence handling tax dollars.” Ray said the survey was delivered as a mailer to 35,100 households, closed December 10, and produced 344 usable responses.

The survey found wildfire risk and housing costs as top resident concerns and repeatedly flagged service calls on I‑70 as a point of public confusion. Ray told the group that 68% of respondents agreed with a statement that the authority should address the decline in volunteers, rising call volume and wildfire risk and “seek a sales tax to maintain improved service levels.” In contrast, a straight property-tax option (described in the survey as a 14.67‑mill increase) scored lower in public support.

County and municipal officials used those findings to discuss funding paths and outreach. Guy Patterson (Idaho…