Residents of the City of Fountain reported very high confidence in local public safety services. Approval of the Fountain Police Department stood at 77%, while approval of the Fire/EMS Department was exceptionally strong at 92%. Majorities also agreed that both departments were fiscally responsible, though a sizable share said they were unsure, particularly regarding police finances. Perceptions of risk were elevated: 71% believed crime had increased in the past couple of years, and 64% believed fire risk had increased, reflecting growing concern about public safety pressures in the community.
Voters showed broad conceptual support for additional funding for public safety. When asked generally, 56% supported a property tax increase to create a dedicated funding source for police, fire, and EMS services. Support held when specific costs were introduced: 57% said they would vote to approve a 6.2-mill property tax increase generating $1.7 million annually, while 34% said they would vote no. The proposed increase was described as costing approximately $178 per year, or about $15 per month, for a home valued at $410,000.
Support increased substantially as voters learned more about the rationale for the ballot measure. Information about rising crime rates—including increases in assault, burglary, vehicle theft, and drug violations—made 71% more likely to approve the measure. Messages explaining that Fountain’s population could grow by 17,000 to 23,000 residents in coming years, placing additional strain on police and fire services, moved 74% toward supporting the tax increase. Voters also responded positively to arguments about state criminal justice reforms and the growth in high-priority police calls requiring more time and resources.
Fire and emergency medical service messages were especially persuasive. Fully 80% said they were more likely to support the measure after learning it would fund a third full-time ambulance unit and additional firefighter capabilities. Information about staffing a new fire station with six firefighters and paramedics, even though construction would be funded separately, moved 77% toward support. Voters also reacted strongly to learning that improved fire coverage could reduce homeowners’ insurance costs by $400 to $600 annually, with three-quarters saying this made them more likely to approve the measure.
Police-related investments also significantly boosted support. Messages explaining that the measure would fund six new police officers to improve traffic enforcement, reduce response times, increase city-wide police presence, and address crimes against children, sex trafficking, and financial crimes made 76% more likely to support the ballot measure. Information about challenges recruiting and retaining police officers and firefighters, officer wellness, and the risks of understaffing further strengthened support among roughly three-quarters of voters.
After reviewing all information, support rose decisively. In the final informed ballot test, 70% said they would vote to approve the 6.2-mill property tax increase, while 26% said they would vote no and only 4% remained undecided. When paired with a potential 1% sales tax for street maintenance, more voters supported the public safety measure alone or both measures than rejected both. Overall, the results showed strong trust in Fountain’s public safety agencies and broad voter willingness to approve a dedicated property tax increase once the scale of growth, service demands, and public safety benefits were clearly understood.
The survey also captured a snapshot of voter intention to participate. Nearly all respondents indicated they were at least somewhat likely to vote in a November ballot measure election on public safety, with 73% saying they were extremely likely to vote and an additional 17% saying they were very likely to do so. This high level of self-reported engagement suggested that the electorate most likely to turn out was well-informed and motivated, providing a favorable context for a ballot measure campaign that successfully communicated the public safety needs and specific benefits of the proposed tax increase.
