High Springs commissioners approve $250 annual fire-assessment fee; hardship process and outreach to follow

High Springs City Commissioners voted unanimously to raise the city's fire-assessment fee to $250 per year, a change approved by roll call following public comment and discussion about communication and exemptions.

The increase came during a budget workshop and was adopted by resolution after a motion to set the fire-assessment fee at $250. Mayor Grunder, Vice Mayor Miller, Commissioner Bloodsworth, Commissioner Howe and Commissioner White all voted yes on the resolution.

The fee increase is intended to shore up funding for the city's fire protection services as the city opens a new station and addresses rising operational costs. Commissioners and members of the public urged clearer notice to residents about the new fee and easier access to hardship waivers so fixed-income households can seek relief.

Public commenters emphasized both affordability concerns and community benefits. Andrea Atkins, a resident who said she has 37 years of social-service experience, asked, "Where do the citizens of Hansberry get a hardship form from?" and suggested placing the form on the city website and on utility billing. Mike Coward, a resident and city employee, told commissioners, "$250 a year for fire service fees is less than a dollar a day," while also urging the city to improve messaging to people on fixed incomes and warning that relying on variable county revenues is risky for long-term budgeting.

City and department staff described the revenue mix for fire and EMS services and outlined in-kind support from the county. The fire chief said roughly 65% of the department's revenues come from assessment fees and explained that some EMS-related supplies and radios are provided by the county. Chief Tias (Fire Chief) and Captain Pearson noted progress on documentation and hydrant flows that they said could help the city's ISO rating; staff estimated the city is currently an ISO 4 and is several points away from lowering to a 3 if documented practices continue.

Commissioners asked staff to expand outreach about the fee change. City staff agreed to add a notice to the next garbage and water bill folder and to post links on the city website; staff also volunteered to include a memo on mailed bills to alert customers to hardship-application options. The city manager said he would prepare budget materials and requested direction from commissioners before the next scheduled budget hearing so the budget can reflect the commission's choices.

The commission approved the resolution by roll call: Mayor Grunder ' yes; Vice Mayor Miller ' yes; Commissioner Bloodsworth ' yes; Commissioner Howe ' yes; Commissioner White ' yes. The motion as recorded: "make the fire assessment fee $250." The resolution passed and staff were directed to notify residents and return with follow-up materials and application links before the budget hearing schedule.