South Metro Fire Rescue has filed a lawsuit against the Parker Authority for Reinvestment, alleging the urban renewal authority illegally diverted taxpayer funds to reimburse private investors and that it skirted legal requirements before using those funds for economic development projects. The suit was filed in Douglas County District Court in Castle Rock on June 5. It also names as defendants Douglas County Assessor Lisa Frizell and county Treasurer Diane Holbert. "The Parker Authority for Reinvestment is siphoning off money that is voter-approved for fire protection services. People in Parker shouldn't have to choose between public safety and economic development," South Metro Fire Chief Bob Baker said in a news release.