VOTE YES ON QUESTION 1- you can help save human lives

Our blossoming city of Henderson is one of the safest cities in the nation and has seen a rise in its population. This expansion results in a greater demand for emergency services. Over the past five years, the number of 911 calls received escalated by 24%. With more residents choosing to age in place and grow older in their homes, we’ve recorded a significant increase in medical aid for individuals aged 65 and above. In 2023 alone, the Henderson Fire Department responded to 5,074 emergencies associated with falls, making it the second most common type of medical help required.

I have heard firsthand the stories of our firefighters saving lives and the happy endings of keeping families alive together.  To uphold their reputation as one of the safest places in the country, we need to address these challenges actively. The Henderson Fire Department, nationally accredited, remains committed to ensuring the safety standards of our city. They, however, need your backing to set in motion innovative programs to enhance our city’s safety further.

Henderson has the lowest property tax in the state and the average home in Henderson is $485,000.  With this vote on question 1, your property tax would increase .06 cents on every hundred of the accessed value, which is an average increase of $91 a year, or .25 cents a day and this will save lives and maybe even your own!

By voting YES for Question 1, you contribute to our commitment to delivering exceptional emergency services and initiating programs aimed at reducing fall-related emergencies, among other things. Together, we can continue to be sure Henderson is a safer place. 

henderson fire department

Recognitions

In 2024, the Henderson Fire Department secured its accreditation for the sixth time in a row from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI). This achievement places HFD amongst the exclusive group of only six organizations worldwide to have been accredited six times over by CFAI. CFAI consistently assists firefighting and emergency service providers globally in achieving excellence. “We take pride in being acknowledged by a distinguished organization like CFAI as a department that upholds superior standards,” stated Henderson Fire Chief Shawn White. “We stay true to our promise to maintain Henderson as one of America’s safest cities.”

However...

As more people continue to move to our beautiful city, and our existing residents settle into old age, they’re experiencing a strain in maintaining their performance standards. The demand for their services is on the rise, leading to longer response times. They must recruit more firefighters and amplify their resources, as every second is precious and can save lives. Their current fire station facilities, especially in the heart of the city, require serious updates or total replacements. They are working towards replacing the tired fleet of emergency response vehicles. Despite the doubling costs, their Fire Chief is doing his utmost to manage the organization’s resources. But to serve our community better, they need more funding.

The Henderson City Council is providing a financial solution for voters in the upcoming 2024 General Election. The ballot question will ask voters if they are willing to increase property taxes to raise $27,500,000 in general obligation bonds exclusively for the Henderson Fire Department. The fund will be utilized for the construction and improvement of fire department facilities and also for operations, maintenance, personnel, and equipment.

Unlike the Police Department, which has two separate revenue streams, the HFD solely depends on the city’s budget, without any extra revenues. Consequently, our firefighters lack the essential resources to safeguard our community.

Ballot Question 1

“Shall the City of Henderson be authorized to collect an additional property tax of $.06 per $100 of assessed value for thirty years, starting from 1st July 2025, to better public safety by reducing response times, including that of the Henderson Fire Department’s emergency medical services? A YES vote would authorize up to $27,500,000 of general obligation bonds for new construction and existing facility modernization and will generate further revenue for operations, maintenance, personnel, and equipment requirements of the Henderson Fire Department.

The total levy would lead to an average increase of $21 per year in property taxes for a new property owner with a $100,000 house. If approved, any property tax collected as approved by this question would be exempt from the tax cap provisions established by the legislature in the 2005 session.”

Dan Pentkowski, Fire Union President

Henderson Professional Fire Fighters President Dan Pentkowski, knows that voting “yes” on Ballot Question 1 will make Henderson safer. He is the longest-running president going on 15 years and is so passionate with our fire department and our city.

“Decreased response times save lives. Cardiac is the most difficult call we get. We have a window up to 6 minutes to make a critical difference, and when we have the time, we excel. But currently, we’re only meeting that 56% of the time, and that’s an F,” Pentkowski states clearly.

“About half of all our units are over capacity for how many calls they should be handling daily,” Pentkowski says. He shares the example of a recent call where an infant’s life was lost to SIDS, and many of the responding firefighters were parents themselves. “The stress of being over capacity means our men and women don’t get to rest or recover, and running beyond capacity takes a toll on our firefighters’ mental and physical wellness.”

Comparing Henderson’s property taxes to other Nevada cities, Pentkowski points out that there is room for a slight increase. The proposed $0.06 addition would raise the tax rate to $0.83, still lower than Las Vegas at $1.06, North Las Vegas at $1.16, and Reno at $0.96. The national average is about $0.99.

Pentkowski maintains that the City Council cannot simply reallocate funds to resolve the fire department’s chronic underfunding. He also emphasizes that property owners could see additional benefits if Ballot Question 1 passes, including reduced property damage from faster response times and potentially lower insurance premiums.

Henderson voters will ultimately decide in November, and Pentkowski remains optimistic that they will vote “yes” on Ballot Question 1.

“As we go out into the community, we have touched the very fabric of our city. The first question we get is why we are asking for more, and once given an opportunity to explain, the residents are receptive. They understand paying about $91 year more means a better and safer Henderson.”

Support Our Firefighters

Our city takes immense pride in being ranked among the top two safest cities in the United States, a testament to the relentless dedication and exceptional capabilities of the Henderson Fire Department. This prestigious standing is attributed to the department’s unwavering commitment to emergency preparedness, rapid response times, and proactive community engagement strategies. The HFD’s ongoing efforts in training, equipment modernization, and facility enhancement have fortified our city’s defense against emergencies, thus fostering a safe and secure environment for residents.

As we strive to maintain and elevate these safety standards, your support in voting YES for Question 1 is essential to continuing this legacy of excellence. Together, let’s ensure that Henderson remains not only a desirable location to live in but also a beacon of safety and community resilience.

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Henderson Fire Department

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