Critical Issues Briefings

Critical Issues Briefings are held in locations around the state to address the most important topics impacting fire service leaders. Subject matter experts present on a variety of topics and share information you need you to know.

REGISTER NOW - Tuesday, June 11th
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Virtual - Join via Zoom 

Our final Critical Issues Briefing for the year will be held via Zoom on June 11th. Many of the topics focus on essential legislative issues now that the session has ended. Members, stay informed and engaged as we move forward and take action. Plus, the Zoom format will allow for members all around the state to easily join, participate and ask questions.

10:00 am - Welcome, Self-Introductions & Identification of Questions from Participants
(Kristy Olme, Brad White, Bob Olme, Randy Royal & Other Participants)

Opening Comments:

  • We can do almost anything we want but not everything we would like

  • We have a finite amount of political capitol

  • Prioritization = FD/FPD funding & life safety

10:15 am - Legal Perspective on Major Issues (Emily Powell, Ireland Stapleton)

  • Now FPDs have ‘authority’ to go to citizens for potential sales tax & impact fees, what are the legal concerns (such as lack of cooperation from cities & counties or charging the FPD a percent of the tax for administrative services to collect the tax on behalf of the FPD

  • What about billing for other non-firefighting services?

  • What can FPDs do legally to inform & educate voters about issues of significant concern such as Initiative 50?

11:00 am - Identifying the Anticipated Impact of 233  (Dianne Criswell, SDA)

  • What information do FPDs need to project the fiscal impact of 233?

  • Where would that information be available?

  • How does 233 interact with previous backfill legislation such as 238?

  • Does an FPD need to prepare 2 budgets in anticipation of passage of Initiative 50 (budget for 233 and second for 50)?              

1130 am – Additional Legislation & Anticipated Legislation of Interest

  • SB 24-50 – Concerning the Colorado Workforce Demonstration Grants Pilot Program

  • SB 24-108 – Prohibit Unauthorized Use Public Safety Radio

  • Single Stair Exits

  • Surprise billing

11:45 am - Formation of ‘CSFC Issue Committee’ (PAC) 

  • Legal Framework Completed by Ireland Stapleton (May 2024)

    • Anticipated “start” date NLT July 01, 2024

      • Virtual meeting with Ireland Stapleton, Executive Committee & initial trustees NLT June 15, 2024 

    • Funding to offset expenses from expanded CSFC legislative actions

      • Individual contributions

      • Corporate/Exhibitor contributions 

    • Able to make contributions to political campaigns & candidates

    • Independent but structured under guidance of CSFC Executive Committee

    • Initial Trustees

      • Tim Sendelbach

      • Bruce Evans

      • TJ Steck

12:00 pm – “Inform & Educate” public outreach Communications & Engagement Campaign

  • CSFC is focused on providing optional resources to FPDs to inform voters about the costs and impact of revenue reductions on FPDs

  • Voter outreach is local FPD responsibility

  • CSFC providing access to resources to “Inform & Educate Voters” (see examples)

12:20 pm – Open Discussion & Questions from Participants

  • Are we really willing to “Do Less with Less” & tell the public why we’ve made that decision?

1245 – Closing Comments (Kristy Olme)  

There will be no cost for this virtual event. We hope you will take an active role and join us as we discuss all that's happening.