Service Plan

As used in this Service Plan, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:

This Service Plan (the "Service Plan") is submitted on behalf of the Southern Park County Fire Protection District (the "District") pursuant to C.R.S. § 32-1-201 et seq. and C.R.S. § 32-1-1001 et seq. This updated Service Plan supersedes and replaces all prior service plans and amendments, and constitutes the operative service plan for the District from and after its adoption by the Park County Board of County Commissioners.

The purpose of this Service Plan is to:

1. Define the services the District is authorized and obligated to provide;
2. Establish a financial plan demonstrating the District's ability to provide those services;
3. Describe the District's boundaries and service area characteristics;
4. Establish infrastructure and service standards;
5. Document governance and accountability requirements; and
6. Ensure compliance with all applicable Colorado statutes and Park County requirements.

The Southern Park County Fire Protection District was organized as a Colorado special district in 1987 pursuant to the Colorado Special District Act. The District was organized by Order and Decree of the District Court for Park County, Colorado, in [Case No. / Date]. The District was organized following a petition and public hearing before the Park County Board of County Commissioners and approval of the original Service Plan by resolution of the BOCC on [Date of Original Service Plan Approval].

Since its organization, the District has grown from a single-station volunteer fire district to a multi-station organization providing comprehensive fire suppression, wildland fire response, and emergency services to a 226-square-mile service area in southern Park County.

The legal name of the District is the Southern Park County Fire Protection District. The District's principal office is located at:

The District is a political subdivision of the State of Colorado. The District may change its principal office by resolution of the Board without amendment to this Service Plan, provided that appropriate notice is filed with DOLA and the Park County Clerk & Recorder.

The District encompasses approximately 226 square miles in the southern portion of Park County, Colorado. The precise legal boundaries of the District are set forth in the Order and Decree of Organization and all subsequent Orders of Inclusion and Exclusion recorded with the Park County Clerk & Recorder.

The service area includes unincorporated portions of southern Park County, including the communities of Guffey, Hartsel, Elevenmile, Lake George (as applicable within District boundaries), and surrounding rural areas. The District's boundaries are contiguous with those of [Adjacent FPDs / Counties] to the north, east, south, and west.

The District has no established extraterritorial service jurisdiction. All services described herein are provided within the District's legal boundaries, subject to mutual aid obligations described in Article IX.

The District has been evaluated by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) and assigned a Public Protection Classification (PPC) as follows:

The District actively pursues improvements in apparatus, equipment, personnel, and water supply infrastructure to support ISO re-evaluation and potential classification improvements over time. Property owners in Class 10 areas are encouraged to maintain on-site water storage and defensible space per NFPA 1144 standards.

The District is authorized and shall endeavor to provide the following services to residents, property owners, and visitors within its boundaries. The scope and level of each service is subject to available funding, personnel, and equipment as reflected in the District's annual budget adopted pursuant to C.R.S. § 29-1-108.

The District provides structural fire suppression services to all improved properties within its boundaries. These services include:

• Initial attack and sustained firefighting operations for structure fires
• Fire scene safety and property preservation operations
• Overhaul, salvage, and scene stabilization
• Fire cause and origin determination in coordination with law enforcement
• Coordination with neighboring departments and state resources on large-scale incidents

The District provides first-response emergency medical services at the [EMT-Basic / EMT-Advanced / First Responder] level. The District's EMS program includes:

• Response to all medical emergencies reported within the District
• Patient assessment, stabilization, and care until transfer to transporting agency
• Coordination with Park County EMS and Life Flight / air medical services
• Mutual aid EMS response as requested by neighboring agencies
• [Transport capabilities if applicable — note ambulance service if provided]

The District coordinates with [Park County EMS / Designated Transport Provider] for Advanced Life Support (ALS) and ambulance transport services. The District's EMS program operates in accordance with protocols established by the [Park County Medical Director / Designated Physician] and all applicable Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) requirements.

Given the District's location in the high-risk wildland-urban interface of southern Park County, wildland fire response represents a core District service. The District provides:

• Initial attack on wildland fires within or threatening the District's boundaries
• Type 4 through Type 6 engine operations on wildland fires
• Structure protection operations during wildland fire events
• Coordination with DFPC, Colorado State Forest Service, and federal land management agencies (USFS, BLM) on fires affecting or adjacent to District boundaries
• Participation in the South Park Interagency Fire Management program and regional preparedness activities
• Implementation of the Park County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) within the District's jurisdiction

The District provides Hazardous Materials Operations-level response in accordance with NFPA 472 and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120. For incidents beyond Operations level, the District will request assistance from [Regional HazMat Team / CERC] and coordinate with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Services include:

• Scene assessment and life safety operations for HazMat incidents
• Defensive operations including containment, diking, and area evacuation coordination
• Coordination with regional HazMat teams for advanced mitigation
• Vehicle accident extrication and fuel spill response
• Propane and natural gas leak response

The District is committed to reducing fire incidents and improving public safety through community education and prevention programs, including:

• Public fire safety education for residents, schools, and community organizations
• Defensible space and WUI mitigation guidance under NFPA 1144
• Station tours and community outreach events
• Coordination with the Park County Office of Emergency Management on preparedness programs
• Distribution of fire safety materials and participation in community events

The District administers a burn permit program for prescribed and debris burns within its jurisdiction, consistent with Park County regulations and applicable state fire restriction orders. The District shall:

• Issue burn permits for authorized open burning activities
• Suspend or revoke permits during active fire restrictions or Stage 1/Stage 2 bans
• Maintain records of all issued permits in accordance with C.R.S. § 24-72-201 (CORA)
• Coordinate with the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control on fire restriction orders

Upon request, the District shall conduct property assessments for defensible space and wildfire fuel reduction, providing recommendations consistent with NFPA 1144 (Standard for Reducing Structure Ignition Hazards from Wildland Fire) and the Colorado State Forest Service's recommendations. This service is provided at no charge to District residents as a public safety service, subject to available personnel resources.

The District operates three (3) fire stations strategically positioned to provide coverage across its 226-square-mile service area. Station locations are as follows:

The District shall maintain all stations in a safe, operational condition. The Board shall include station maintenance and capital improvement needs in the annual budget and Capital Improvement Plan. Station locations may be changed or new stations added by Board resolution, subject to financial constraints and the requirement to maintain effective coverage across the service area. A material change in the number of stations or their general locations is considered a material modification to the Service Plan requiring BOCC approval per C.R.S. § 32-1-207.

The District shall maintain a fleet of apparatus and equipment adequate to support the services described in Article III. Minimum apparatus requirements are described below. A current apparatus inventory is attached as Exhibit D.

The District shall maintain a Capital Apparatus Replacement Schedule as part of its Capital Improvement Plan, with a target apparatus replacement cycle of no more than [20–25] years for structural engines and [15–20] years for wildland apparatus, subject to annual condition assessments. The Board shall maintain an Apparatus Reserve Fund in accordance with the District's adopted Financial Plan.

The District operates its communications systems in coordination with the Park County Emergency Communications Center (9-1-1 Dispatch) and the Colorado Department of Public Safety Statewide Digital Trunked Radio System (DTRS / FirstNet where applicable). District communications requirements include:

• Primary radio communications via Park County interoperability channels and DTRS
• Alerting system for all volunteer and career personnel
• Portable and mobile radios for all apparatus and responding personnel
• Coordination with neighboring agencies on mutual aid incidents
• [Dispatch/CAD system details if applicable]

In the absence of a municipal water distribution system within the District, the District's water supply strategy relies on:

• Tender Operations: Water tenders capable of supplying mobile water to fire scenes in non-hydrant areas, using shuttle and nurse tanker operations per NFPA 1142
• Dry Hydrant Systems: District-maintained dry hydrant connections at [ponds, reservoirs, and other water sources] within the service area
• Static Water Sources: Identified ponds, streams, and cisterns catalogued in the District's pre-fire plan database
• On-Site Storage: The District encourages property owners — particularly those in ISO Class 10 areas — to maintain on-site water storage of at least 1,500 gallons in accordance with fire-flow recommendations

The District shall maintain and update a Water Supply Atlas identifying all static water sources, dry hydrants, and fill sites within its boundaries. The Board shall budget annually for dry hydrant installation, maintenance, and improvement as a priority capital expense.

This Article sets forth the District's financial plan demonstrating its ability to provide the services described in Article III and maintain financial self-sufficiency as required by C.R.S. § 32-1-203(2)(b). Preliminary financial projections are attached as Exhibit E.

The District derives revenue from the following sources:

The District is authorized to levy a property tax (ad valorem) not to exceed [XX.XXX] mills on all taxable property within the District boundaries. The actual mill levy shall be set by Board resolution annually following adoption of the budget, and certified to the Park County Assessor and Treasurer pursuant to C.R.S. § 39-5-121 no later than December 15 of each year.

Any increase in the mill levy above the District's current certified levy constitutes a tax increase subject to TABOR voter approval unless the increase falls within the limits of the District's existing voter-approved authority. The Board shall consult with District counsel before certifying any mill levy increase.

The District adopts an annual budget in accordance with the Local Government Budget Law of Colorado, C.R.S. § 29-1-101 et seq. The budget shall be organized by fund and include:

• General Fund: Operating expenses including personnel, vehicle fuel and maintenance, protective equipment, communications, training, administrative costs, and routine station maintenance
• Capital Reserve Fund / Equipment Reserve Fund: Accumulation for apparatus replacement and major capital expenditures
• Debt Service Fund (if applicable): Payments on outstanding bonds or other debt obligations
• Grant Fund (if applicable): Restricted grant revenue and expenditures tracked separately per grant requirements

The Board shall adopt the annual budget no later than December 15 of each year and publish notice in the [Flume / Park County newspaper of general circulation] as required by C.R.S. § 29-1-109.

The District is authorized to issue general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, certificates of participation, or other forms of debt as authorized by law. Issuance of general obligation debt constituting a "multiple-fiscal year direct obligation" requires prior voter approval under TABOR (Colo. Const. Art. X, § 20). Debt obligations are subject to the following limitations:

• General obligation bonds shall not be issued in an aggregate amount exceeding the limitations of C.R.S. § 32-1-1101
• No debt shall be incurred that the District cannot demonstrate an ability to service from projected revenues
• The Board shall maintain a debt policy adopted by resolution establishing guidelines for debt issuance, debt service coverage ratios, and reserve requirements

The District complies with all requirements of the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR), Colo. Const. Art. X, § 20. Specific TABOR requirements applicable to the District include:

• Annual spending and revenue limits based on prior-year base, adjusted for inflation and growth
• Voter approval of new taxes, tax rate increases (except as described herein), or multiple-fiscal-year debt
• Publication of TABOR notice to taxpayers as required by applicable law
• Retention of emergency reserve in an amount determined by Board resolution and consistent with TABOR requirements

The District [has / has not] received voter approval for a TABOR "de-Brucing" (removal of spending limits) as of the adoption date of this Service Plan. Current TABOR status and voter-approved authority shall be documented in the District's records and reviewed annually by the Board.

The District shall cause an annual audit of its financial statements to be prepared by an independent certified public accountant, in accordance with C.R.S. § 29-1-606. The audit shall be completed within 180 days of the end of the fiscal year and filed with DOLA. Financial statements shall be made available to the public pursuant to CORA, C.R.S. § 24-72-201 et seq., and posted on the District's website as practicable.

The District is governed by a Board of five (5) Directors elected by eligible electors of the District pursuant to C.R.S. § 32-1-901. Directors serve four-year staggered terms. Terms are staggered so that, as nearly as possible, no more than three directors' terms expire in the same election year.

Current Board of Directors (as of April 2026):

The Board shall elect from its members, at its organizational meeting following each election, a President, Secretary, and Treasurer pursuant to C.R.S. § 32-1-902. The same person may hold the offices of Secretary and Treasurer. The Board may employ a Fire Chief and such other staff as the budget allows. Staff employment is governed by the District's adopted Personnel Policy.

All meetings of the Board are subject to the Colorado Open Meetings Law, C.R.S. § 24-6-402, and all District records are subject to the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), C.R.S. § 24-72-201 et seq. Regular meetings are held on the [1st Wednesday] of each month at 3:00 PM at Station 1, 1745 County Road 102, Guffey, Colorado 80820, unless otherwise posted. Meeting agendas are posted at least 24 hours in advance at the District's principal office and on the District's website.

The District operates with a combination of career, part-time, and volunteer personnel. The Board shall adopt and maintain a Personnel Policy governing employment terms, compensation, benefits, conduct standards, and separation procedures. The District's volunteer program is governed by a Volunteer Policies and Procedures Manual adopted by the Board. All personnel policies shall comply with applicable state and federal law including the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (C.R.S. § 24-34-401 et seq.) and the Fair Labor Standards Act.

The District establishes the following response time performance targets, measured from dispatch notification to arrival of first apparatus at scene. These are goals, not guarantees, and are subject to available personnel, road conditions, weather, and the rural nature of the service area.

Response time data shall be collected through the District's Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) or records management system and reported to the Board quarterly. The Board shall annually review response time performance and take corrective action where feasible.

All District personnel performing firefighting functions shall maintain the following minimum training certifications as required by the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control and the District's adopted Training Policy:

• Firefighter I and Firefighter II per NFPA 1001 (structural firefighters)
• Wildland Firefighter S-130/S-190 (all personnel engaged in wildland firefighting)
• ICS-100, ICS-200, IS-700, IS-800 (all personnel)
• HazMat Operations per NFPA 472 (all firefighters)
• EMS certification at the level required for the personnel's assigned EMS function
• Such additional certifications as required by the Board or the Fire Chief

The District operates a combination department utilizing both career/part-time staff and a volunteer corps. The Board shall adopt a Minimum Staffing Standard by resolution. The District's goal is to maintain sufficient staffing at all three stations to provide an effective response to reported incidents within the service area. The District's Volunteer Program shall be governed by a Volunteer Policies and Procedures Manual adopted by the Board and reviewed no less than every three years.

Property not within the District boundaries may be included in the District pursuant to C.R.S. § 32-1-401 et seq. Inclusion requires a written petition by the property owner(s), a public hearing before the Board with notice published in the newspaper of general circulation pursuant to C.R.S. § 32-1-404, and a resolution of the Board approving inclusion. Upon approval, an Order of Inclusion shall be recorded with the Park County Clerk & Recorder and filed with the Park County Assessor. Included property becomes subject to the District's mill levy beginning with the next assessment cycle.

In evaluating petitions for inclusion, the Board shall consider:

• Whether services can be effectively provided to the area proposed for inclusion
• The financial impact of inclusion on existing District taxpayers
• Whether the inclusion is contiguous with or proximate to existing District boundaries
• BOCC approval requirements applicable to material boundary changes

Property within the District may be excluded pursuant to C.R.S. § 32-1-501 et seq. on petition of the property owner(s). The Board shall hold a public hearing and shall approve exclusion only upon finding that the exclusion will not impair the District's ability to discharge existing obligations or provide services to the remaining territory. Outstanding obligations attributable to the excluded property may be required to be paid or guaranteed before exclusion is approved. An Order of Exclusion shall be recorded with the Park County Clerk & Recorder and filed with the Park County Assessor.

The District is authorized to enter into intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) pursuant to C.R.S. § 29-1-203 and C.R.S. § 32-1-1001. The District currently maintains, or shall seek to enter into, mutual aid and cooperation agreements with the following agencies:

All IGAs shall be approved by Board resolution and maintained in the District's permanent records. Copies of current IGAs shall be available for public inspection pursuant to CORA.

This Service Plan is consistent with the Park County Master Plan, as last updated [Date]. The District's service area encompasses portions of the Park County Master Plan designated as [Rural Residential / Agricultural / Public Lands / etc.]. The District's services support the land use goals of the Master Plan by providing adequate fire and emergency services to accommodate existing and anticipated future development within the District boundaries.

A material modification of this Service Plan requires approval by the Park County Board of County Commissioners following a public hearing with published notice, pursuant to C.R.S. § 32-1-207. Material modifications include, but are not limited to: changes in the types of services authorized; significant changes to District boundaries; changes in authorized debt or mill levy limits; and substantial changes in financial plan assumptions.

The District shall provide written notice to the BOCC of any proposed material modification at least 10 days before the public hearing. The Board shall also file an updated Service Plan with DOLA within 60 days of BOCC approval of any material modification.

Non-material modifications may be made by Board resolution without BOCC approval. Non-material modifications include administrative updates, corrections, and updates to reflect changes in applicable law that do not alter the District's authorized services, boundaries, or financial structure. The Board shall file notice of non-material modifications with DOLA and maintain a complete amendment history in the District's permanent records.

The District may be dissolved pursuant to C.R.S. § 32-1-701 et seq. Dissolution requires a resolution of the Board or petition of eligible electors, a duly noticed public hearing, satisfaction or provision for all outstanding obligations, and an Order of Dissolution recorded with the Park County Clerk & Recorder. Notice of dissolution shall be filed with the Colorado Secretary of State and DOLA. Upon dissolution, District assets shall be distributed in accordance with applicable statutory requirements. Nothing in this Service Plan is intended to prohibit or restrict the District from exercising its dissolution rights under applicable law.

The undersigned, being the duly authorized officers of the Southern Park County Fire Protection District, a Colorado special district, hereby certify that this Service Plan was duly considered and adopted by the Board of Directors of the District at a regularly scheduled and duly noticed public meeting held on ____________, 2026, by a vote of ____ in favor and ____ opposed, with ____ abstaining, and that this Service Plan accurately reflects the District's authorized services, financial plan, and governance structure.

To be completed by Park County upon approval following public hearing per C.R.S. § 32-1-204.5.

The following exhibits are incorporated by reference into this Service Plan: