Pasco County Fire Marshal proposes significant increase to fire rescue impact fees

In a recent Pasco County Planning Commission meeting, discussions centered around the pressing need for increased fire rescue impact fees, driven by significant population growth and rising construction costs. Fire Chief Ryan Gwen highlighted the extraordinary circumstances necessitating these changes, noting a staggering 43.2% population increase in the county since the last fee adjustment in 2003. This surge has led to a corresponding rise in service demands, with the fire department responding to over 100,000 calls in 2024 alone.

The proposed adjustments include a 67% increase in residential fire combat fees and a 12% increase for non-residential properties, alongside the removal of a cap on non-residential square footage. Chief Gwen emphasized that the current fee structure is unsustainable, as it does not adequately cover the costs associated with maintaining and improving fire rescue services in the face of rapid development.

During the meeting, the fire marshal presented data supporting the need for these increases, citing that the county currently operates with only 1.14 firefighters per 1,000 residents, well below the National Fire Protection Association's recommended standard of 2.28. The commission acknowledged the urgency of the situation, with Chief Gwen stating that the county is already four fire stations short of meeting service delivery standards.

The commission also discussed the importance of collaboration with developers to secure land for new fire stations, a strategy that has seen some success in recent projects. However, there remains a call for more proactive engagement from the fire department during the development review process to ensure that infrastructure needs are met.

As the meeting concluded, the commission moved to approve the recommendation for the increased impact fees, setting the stage for further discussions at the upcoming Board of County Commissioners meeting. The adjustments aim to ensure that Pasco County's fire rescue services can keep pace with its growing population and the demands that come with it, ultimately striving to enhance public safety and service delivery for all residents.