Fruita — The Fruita City Council voted to place a proposed 0.2% public safety sales and use tax measure on the April 7, 2026 municipal ballot.

Assistant city manager Dan Karas said the tax is estimated to generate about $975,000 to $1,000,000 annually and would begin Jan. 1, 2027 if approved. The ballot resolution (Res. 2025‑47) includes language to authorize TABOR retention of revenues and contemplates entering a Memorandum of Understanding with Lower Valley Fire Protection District within 30 days and an intergovernmental agreement within 90 days after a successful election to set performance metrics, distribution mechanics and administrative details.

Karas told the council the revenue would be divided proportionally between the district and the city, less administrative costs for distributing funds. Lower Valley’s board submitted a supporting resolution that staff included in the packet. Fire Chief Matt Katzenberger of Lower Valley reiterated the district’s support for the measure.

Council member Janine Purser recused herself from the vote because of a potential conflict (her husband serves on the Lower Valley board). After discussion about timing, voter notification and statutory limits on staff involvement in advocacy, council moved to adopt Res. 2025‑47 and forward the question to the April ballot; the motion passed by roll call 5-0 with one recusal.

Staff will mail the required TABOR notice to Fruita households and pursue the MOU/IGA process if voters approve the measure. The TABOR mailing cost was discussed and estimated at roughly $3,500–$4,000; staff said the fire union may take a lead in community outreach while staff’s role will be limited to factual education under statutory rules.