Get good info on merger

As the “community activist” referenced in Ms. Watson's letter to the editor, I feel compelled to respond. My petition challenging the ballot question in no way undermines the “emergency services and fire prevention” for Littleton. Perhaps Ms. Watson doesn't understand that council abolished our fire department and South Metro will deliver fire services effective Jan. 1, 2019 — no matter what! Our safety is not at risk from my petition challenging the ballot language; a right granted by the Colorado Revised Statutes.

Apparently South Metro agrees with my request. They have “certified” a reformed ballot question that looks very similar to the one suggested in my petition. The new language no longer refers to a 9.25 mill levy increase that “may” happen but as an increase that “shall” happen if the inclusion is approved. And, the question now includes language informing voters that their property taxes will total 11.25 mills if inclusion is approved.

It's important to get “straight forward” information about the upcoming election — on that I could not agree more with Ms. Watson. However, the election has nothing to do with how fire and emergency services are delivered or by what agency, council made that decision. The election is about who will pay for fire services. Will the city pay as always or will taxpayers increase their property taxes to pay South Metro?

If voters say no to the tax increase, rest assured, the sun will come up on Nov. 1, 2019 and South Metro will respond to our emergencies.

Carol Brzeczek

Littleton