The Pagosa Fire Protection District (PFPD) Board of Directors reviewed its 2027 draft budget during its regular meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 6.
Chief Robert Bertam indicated that the district’s total valuation is down $142,000 from last year due to a decrease in the valuation of houses in the district.
Bertram also noted that the district is “keeping a decent balance in our reserves.”
According to the 2027 draft budget, the district has $350,000 in capital reserves.
According to the draft budget, PFPD’s 2027 anticipated revenues are listed at $6,526,231, and projected revenues for 2027 is listed at $5,265,001
Bertram noted that he did not include billing for wildland services in the 2027 budget, “since we never know really what’s going to happen.”
He indicated that, so far this year in 2026, the district has billed out a total of $1.1 million for wildland services.
In response to a question from the board, Bertram explained that the fee the district charges for services at Stevens Field Airport is a yearly fee based on a service agreement from “a long time ago.”
He mentioned that he recently received a copy of the agreement and is looking into what the district could change, “because it does need to be adjusted for inflation.”
It was noted by the board that the yearly fee is $1,020.
“Interesting thing is, the airport itself is owned by the county; we do not receive any tax revenue from there,” Bertram said, explaining the PFPD receives other revenue from the hangars at the airport.
The 2027 draft budget also indicates the district is projecting $250,000 in revenue from impact fees, which is up from the anticipated total of $225,000 for 2026.
During his presentation, Bertam also noted that the district is anticipating $2,000 in revenue from community classes.
He explained that PFPD conducted CPR classes for multiple schools in the community this past year.
Total expenses for the district are projected at $5,265,001, which is down from the 2026 anticipated total of $6,214,791.
Bertam explained that payroll expense for 2027 includes a proposed 5 percent cost-of-living increase for staff.
Total expenses for payroll for the district for 2027 is listed at $2,678,549, which is down from the anticipated total of $3,156,108 for 2026.
During the presentation, the board also asked questions in regard to responding to calls outside of the district’s service area boundaries.
Bertram explained that is something the district needs to review and decide how it wants to approach, potentially conducting an election in 2027 for voters to decide on joining the district or not.
He indicated that there are some funds set aside in the 2027 budget for an election “if we choose to go that route.”
According to the draft budget, the district has $20,000 budgeted for election expenses in 2027.
Bertram noted that the district has no legal obligation to respond to calls for service outside of the district’s boundaries.
Board member James Martin commented that the district could use that as a “motivator” to get people to join the district.
He added that the district could convey the message to constituents that it is no longer cost-effective for the district to continue to respond to out-of-district calls, suggesting that people join the PFPD service district, “or we’re gonna discontinue services to these areas.”
Bertram commented that the board needs to discuss the matter and align itself on what the district should do, adding that it is “something we do need to address.”
Bertram also noted that not being in a fire protection district also makes it hard for homeowners to get insurance.
The PFPD will vote on approving its 2027 budget at its next regular board of directors’ meeting, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 10.
clayton@pagosasun.com
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