Hudson Fire Protection District is facing a critical disruption to ambulance services. Without action, response times could double, putting lives at risk.
Approval of a mill levy increase on the November 4, 2025 ballot would allow HFPD to take control of its emergency medical services by establishing a Fire District-run ambulance service.
THE CHALLENGE
What’s Happening:
Ambulance Services are at Risk
HFPD does not currently own ambulances. The Fire District previously used a private ambulance provider (Platte Valley Ambulance Service), but that contract ended August 7, 2025. Since then, no ambulances have been based in the Fire District. Emergency calls now depend on neighboring fire departments, if units are available.
Additionally, the Fire District does not have paramedics on staff and depends on third-party providers that could reduce services based on their own needs, not ours.
Why It Matters:
Response Times Could Double
Without local ambulances and EMS crews:
Response times could increase from 6-8 minutes to 12-16 minutes.
In some cases, it may take 30-45 minutes for help to arrive.
In a medical emergency, every second counts, and minutes can make all the difference.
THE SOLUTION
What’s Proposed:
A Fire District-Run Ambulance Service
HFPD proposes creating its own ambulance service to gain local control of medical transport and protect 911 emergency medical response by:
Purchasing three new ambulances, housed at Station 1 (Hudson), Station 3 (Lochbuie), and one in reserve
Outfitting each ambulance with life-saving equipment
Hiring 12 full-time paramedics or 6 paramedics and 6 firefighter/EMTs to provide 24/7 local coverage
Meeting all state and county licensing, certification, and compliance requirements
Top Ten Reasons to Vote YES!
Seconds Save Lives. Faster response times mean better outcomes in medical emergencies. Establishing a Fire District-run ambulance service could cut response times from a projected 12-16 minutes to as little as 3 to 5 minutes.
Our Contract Has Ended. Our private ambulance provider ended our service agreement on August 7, 2025. If we don't act, no ambulances will be based in the Fire District.
Keeps EMS Local. This proposal brings emergency medical care under local control, ensuring decisions are based on what our community needs, not on corporate priorities.
24/7 Ambulance Coverage. The Fire District would staff ambulances with trained EMTs and paramedics at both Hudson and Lochbuie stations, providing round-the-clock coverage.
Service Could Begin Soon. If voters approve the measure, two ambulances could be up and running by January 2026, minimizing EMS disruption within the Fire District.
Avoids Disastrous Delays. Without our own ambulances, we’ll be fully dependent on neighboring fire departments, who may be delayed or be unavailable when response is needed most.
More Ambulances Mean More Protection. The plan funds three ambulances, two in service and one in reserve, enabling critical emergency care coverage at all times, even during peak demand.
Would Further Strengthen EMS Service. Hudson Fire already dispatches within 90 seconds or less from the station. Adding EMS in-house would streamline care from dispatch to transport.
Minimal Cost with a Major Impact. The proposal would cost most homeowners less than $10/month, a small price for potentially life-saving service close to home.
It’s a Long-Term, Life-Saving Solution. This plan would help Hudson FPD build a self-reliant medical transport and care system we can count on, now and for years to come.
How Its Funded: Mill Levy Increase
To fund the project, Hudson FPD will ask voters to approve a 3.0 mill levy increase on the November 4, 2025 ballot. The estimated property tax impact of the measure would be:
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$1.74/month for $100,000 home
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$3.48/month for $200,000 home
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$6.95/month for $400,000 home
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$10.44/month for $600,000 home
That’s less than 35 cents a day for faster, life-saving care.
Why It Matters: Faster 911 Response Times Save Lives
Vote YES! to support a Fire District-run ambulance service that would provide:
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Faster, more reliable 911 response times (3-5 minutes goal)
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Local control of critical EMS services
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Consistent medical transport across the service area
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Less dependence on private providers or outside districts
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Improved patient outcomes, potentially saving lives in critical care situations