Why is there a ballot initiative asking the citizens of Carefree to approve a property tax?

Certainly no one wants another tax but everyone should want the best and fastest emergency medical response that they can get, especially, when seconds count.

For the last 20+ years we have been covered by Mutual Aid through Rural Metro and we have been well-served. But, recently fire departments around us have cancelled their mutual aid agreements. The nearest fire station that is still bound by Mutual Aid is in Rio Verde (and they have no water!). The rest have opted to go on Automatic Aid. This service would send the nearest help no matter what jurisdiction they are from literally cutting 20-30 minutes off response times from Rio Verde.

BUT automatic aid is expensive. It will cost the Town $1,000,000 more a year, in just the first year. Money that is not available with our current sources of revenue: sales tax and our share of state revenue.
To afford Automatic Aid, the gold standard of emergency fire and medical services we need to find another source of revenue. For less than an average of $56/month we can add a property tax that will fund automatic aid for years to come.

It is important that we remember that we are not a fire department with a Town attached. We are a Town that needs to provide our residents with the best possible core municipal services that we can.

Please study the difference between automatic aid and mutual aid. It will become apparent why we are urging you to vote for Automatic Aid and the costs associated with it. If you or a loved one is having a medical emergency, how long are you willing to wait for help?

— Cheryl Kroyer, Town of Carefree, Vice Mayor