A confluence of money-robbing factors has diminished the Clifton Fire Protection District’s ability to cover the cost of providing basic services and prepare for future needs.

Making the case for a 2.25 mill increase is easy enough, but the special district is asking voters to say yes at a time when both the school district and the county are also floating ballot questions for more funding in November.

Clifton residents owe it to themselves to understand why the district would brave the odds to secure more funding in a crowded field and what happens if they don’t support the measure.

As one might expect, Clifton Fire has put forth a modest request. The increase would bring the mill rate to 11.552 mills. That’s an extra $1.30 a month on a home with a valuation of $175,000, or $16 a year added to a residential property tax bill.

Read more at The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel.