Our Larkspur Fire
Ensuring A Safer Larkspur
Why is Larkspur asking for additional funding?
Larkspur Fire Protection District protects approximately 110 square miles of southern Douglas County. Larkspur’s rural character is an important part of the community, but it also creates a different funding environment than more densely developed areas. LFPD relies heavily on residential property taxes, with limited growth in its tax base from significant new residential or commercial development.
The district’s five-year strategic plan identifies continued needs in firefighter staffing, training, emergency vehicles and equipment, information technology, professional accreditation and long-term financial sustainability. While the district describes itself as financially stable today, its planning analysis identifies significant needs ahead. Reserves for major equipment and facility needs are projected to be depleted during 2027, while the costs of staffing, training, fire engines, ambulances, emergency equipment and other operational needs continue.
Why are there two ballot questions?
The two questions address different types of expenses. Issue 6A would provide ongoing revenue for people and operations. Issue 6B would provide fixed-term financing for major equipment and facility investments.
6A — People and Operations
- Additional firefighter staffing
- Training
- Competitive wages and benefits to recruit and retain experienced, qualified personnel
- Ongoing fire, EMS, and public-safety operations
6B — Equipment & Facilities
- Fire and EMS vehicle/equipment replacement
- Training-ground infrastructure, simulators and equipment
- Preliminary infrastructure for a future southeast-area station
- Capital assets and eligible existing lease obligations
More firefighters. Stronger coverage. Faster response.
A near-term staffing priority is strengthening Station 162 so it can operate more independently. That reduces the need for resources from Station 161 to supplement staffing and helps keep crews available in the areas they normally serve. The longer-term strategic plan also includes planning for future staffing at Station 164 in the southeast portion of the district.
Training for the emergencies Larkspur faces.
LFPD currently relies on outside facilities for some hands-on and emergency-driver training, which can involve facility fees, travel, and additional staffing considerations. The plan calls for local training infrastructure, beginning with a concrete driving pad and hydrants, with the potential for a more robust training facility over time.
Reliable emergency vehicles and equipment.
Fire and EMS vehicles must be planned years in advance. LFPD's strategic plan identifies approximately $6.5 million in capital needs over five years and notes current emergency vehicle delivery timelines of roughly three to five years. The district also reports that the cost of a fully equipped fire engine increased from approximately $700,000 in 2020 to $1.3 million in 2025.
Wildfire preparedness
Wildfire is a significant part of Larkspur's emergency-response environment. The district's strategic plan identifies wildfire as its greatest risk in terms of potential harm to residents and property and notes the challenges of operating in the Wildland Urban Interface. Staffing, hands-on training, and dependable vehicles and equipment all contribute to wildfire readiness while also supporting structure-fire, EMS, rescue, and other emergency response.
What does 6A + 6B cost?
AROUND $35 PER MONTH FOR A $1 MILLION HOME
LFPD's estimate for the combined 3.97-mill increase and $4.5 million, 15-year bond is $34.80 per month for a home with $1 million actual value. Actual impact varies with property value.
Why act now?
The district's five-year plan projects that reserves for major equipment and facility needs will be depleted during 2027. At the same time, vehicle and equipment costs have increased, delivery times have lengthened, and the district projects ongoing staffing and operating needs. The plan separates those needs into ongoing operations and major capital expenses so they can be addressed through the two different ballot questions.
Why is professional accreditation included?
LFPD plans to pursue professional accreditation to improve standards, strengthen services, and validate those services to insurance providers. The district believes accreditation may help support residents' continued access to homeowners insurance. Accreditation does not guarantee insurance availability or lower individual premiums.
Has LFPD considered other funding sources?
Yes. The strategic plan identifies potential SAFER staffing grants, training and equipment grants, regional cost-sharing partnerships, fee-based specialty services, training-facility revenue and possible impact fees. The district's plan treats these as supplemental strategies rather than sufficient replacements for the identified operating and capital needs.
How will the funding be monitored?
The strategic plan calls for Board oversight, quarterly progress reviews, annual comprehensive reviews, public presentations, and transparent financial reporting. The district also identifies performance measures for staffing, response, training, equipment, facilities, technology, accreditation and financial sustainability.
What happens without additional funding?
District planning materials project depletion of capital reserves during 2027. Earlier funding comparisons also identified a potential hiring freeze, reductions through attrition, fewer additional training opportunities, and insufficient capital funding for major purchases if no additional revenue is approved.
To estimate your monthly property tax increase for Issues 6A and 6B, go to:
https://www.larkspurfire.org/ballot-issues-6a-and-6b-larkspurfire-election-2026