Deer Mountain Fire Protection District Community Survey Results

The Deer Mountain Fire Protection District is pleased to share the results of its recent community survey regarding emergency services, district funding, and a potential future ballot measure.

First and foremost, we would like to thank everyone who took the time to participate. Community feedback is essential as the District evaluates how best to meet the growing needs of the residents we serve. The survey was conducted by Magellan Strategies between May 5 and May 14, 2026, and included responses from 261 district residents. The survey was weighted to reflect the demographics of likely Deer Mountain Fire Protection District voters. View the full report by Magellan Strategies below:

Deer Mountain Fire Protection District 2026 Ballot Measure Survey Presentation 

What We Learned

The survey found that residents are highly familiar with the services provided by the District, with 82% reporting they are either very familiar or somewhat familiar with District operations. Additionally, 83% of respondents approved of the job the District is doing in providing fire protection services.

Residents also expressed concern about the District's long-term financial sustainability. More than half of respondents (54%) indicated they do not believe the District currently has the financial resources necessary to maintain an acceptable level of service in the future.

The survey also highlighted growing concern about emergency service demands and wildfire risk:

• 73% believe fire and wildfire risk will increase over the next five years.
• 72% support a modest tax increase to create additional funding for the District.
• Emergency medical service calls now account for approximately 63% of the District's annual call volume.

Potential Ballot Measure Findings

Participants were presented with potential ballot language and asked how they would vote if an election were held today.

Before receiving additional information about District operations and funding needs, 65% indicated they would vote in favor of the measure, while 25% would vote against it. After reviewing information regarding EMS demand, wildfire risk, staffing levels, response capabilities, and funding challenges, support increased to 73%, while opposition declined to 19%.

These findings suggest that residents place a high value on maintaining local emergency services and want to understand how additional funding would be used to support the community.

Common Themes From Residents

Residents who supported additional funding most often cited:

• The importance of maintaining local fire and EMS services.
• Wildfire preparedness and mitigation.
• Protecting response times.
• Supporting firefighters, EMTs, and volunteers.
• The increasing needs of an aging population.

Residents who expressed concerns most frequently cited:

• Rising property taxes and affordability.
• The need for continued financial transparency and accountability.
• Interest in pursuing grants and alternative funding sources.
• Questions regarding staffing and operational costs.

Moving Forward

The Board of Directors and District leadership will carefully review these survey results as part of ongoing strategic and financial planning efforts.

At this time, no final decisions or votes have been made regarding a ballot measure and will be discussed at our next Regular Board Meeting on June 17, 2026. The District remains committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and providing residents with factual information regarding emergency services, operational needs, and future funding considerations.

We appreciate everyone who participated and shared their thoughts. Your feedback helps guide important decisions that affect the safety and resilience of our community.

For questions regarding the survey or District operations, please contact:

Deer Mountain Fire Protection District Board of Directors
Email: Board@DMFPD.org