The Indian Wells Country Club Community (IWCC) is a safe, thriving and welcoming neighborhood. With smooth roads and well-maintained infrastructure, the Fire Access Maintenance District #1 (FAMD) invests in the community to continue increasing resident property values and overall desirability as a place to live.

Formed in 1980, the primary responsibilities of the Fire Access Maintenance District #1 (FAMD) include the maintenance of 13.5 miles of streets, community access control and security patrol, gatehouse staffing and minor common area landscape. The FAMD No. 1 is governed by a five-person board of directors. Five directors are elected by property owners, and the sixth director is the general manager of the Indian Wells Country Club. With just under 1,000 private residences represented, the FAMD board members ensure roadways’ quality, upkeep and maintenance, rights of way and easements for fire protection services. Together, they work to provide services that keep the community developing and make sure residents’ needs are met.

Examples of responsibilities of the FAMD include:

• Maintenance of 13.5 miles of streets 
• Community access control and security patrol 
• Ensure that trained professionals staff the guard gates 24/7 and that emergencies are addressed promptly.
• Maintenance of community landscaping around gatehouses in common areas.

Examples of investments in the community include:

• From 2021-23, $2.5 million was invested in a complete road makeover including pavement reconstruction, curb and gutter repairs and fresh striping for most of the community. Remaining work will be included in the new pavement management plan. Smooth roads and well-maintained infrastructure are key components to maintaining our thriving and welcoming neighborhood.
• In 2020, the FAMD partially funded the Storm Water Mitigation Project (SWaMP) to ensure the Manitou Springs subdivision would be better equipped to withstand large storms without fear of large-scale flooding and damage. The total investment  funding for this project was $437,397.
• Remodel of the guardhouse and repainting of the entrance to improve staff capabilities and update its appearance.
• Updates to the Manitou entrance including switching to drought-resistant turf as recommended by the water district. The update was done under rebate, conserving water and saving the community thousands of dollars in water costs.
• Debut of an updated, more user-friendly website for the community.

Revenue generated through the FAMD levies is only spent on essential services, meaning on the quality, upkeep and maintenance of access roadways, rights of way and easements for fire protection services. These services are funded through resident and IWCC property taxes and a voter-approved special parcel tax that ranges from $550-$1,030 annually, depending on the lot size. The tax rate has not increased in close to 20 years. Investments in services like these provide residents with peace of mind and a high quality of life.

Voter-approved Special Parcel Tax

In May 2005, a voter-approved special parcel tax was adopted, with rates ranging from $550 to $1,030 annually, depending on lot size. The rate has remained unchanged since its adoption 20 years ago.

When adjusted for inflation, $550 in 2005 equals about $890 today. In recent years, the FAMD has used its reserves to offset cost increases without increasing the special tax rate. However, with inflation and costs consistently rising, reserves can no longer fund all of the services provided by the FAMD. Without increasing the parcel tax rate, the FAMD may have to consider reducing services provided to the neighborhood, such as 24/7 guard house staffing. 

On May 6, 2025 residents of the Indian Wells Country Club (the FAMD neighborhood) will be able to vote on the special parcel tax, a potential $40 per month increase on the Fire Access and Maintenance District (FAMD)s special tax, which is collected with property taxes twice a year. If approved, the special parcel tax would generate additional funding that could be used to continue staffing the guard house 24/7, while also investing in other community services. This includes maintaining and improving capital projects such as the pavement management project and drainage maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions