Committee advances amended bill to raise mill-levy cap for fire protection districts

Representative Alisa Campbell introduced HB144 to increase the statutory mill-levy authority counties may use to fund fire protection districts, arguing that the current 3-mill cap—established decades ago—no longer covers modern costs for apparatus and staffing.

"Many of our fire protection districts are struggling right now," Campbell said, proposing to raise the cap and allowing counties more flexibility to address staffing shortfalls. She suggested an initial amendment to raise the cap to 5 mills but acknowledged earlier drafts had included placeholder figures as high as 10 mills.

Fire chiefs and local officials testified in support. Manuel Muskes, deputy chief for Laramie County Fire Authority, said the district faces a 35–40% decrease in its budget and cited engine prices north of $1 million. Ryan Grigg, an engineer with a county fire district, described stations being browned out and crews responding to structure fires with fewer personnel than NFPA recommends.

County and industry representatives urged caution. Jeremiah Grama of the County Commissioners Association opposed the bill as drafted, warning of impacts on other special districts and noting constitutional limits on county mills; farm and industry groups urged elector voting for tax changes.

The committee considered several amendments. Representative Locke proposed reducing the placeholder increase (from 10) to 4 mills and adding an electorate-vote requirement; that amendment carried by voice. A later sunset amendment was discussed and withdrawn.

On roll-call the committee recorded eight ayes and one no and moved HB144 forward as amended.

Next steps: HB144 advances to the House floor; sponsors and stakeholders indicated further drafting and debate are likely on the floor.