The Winter Garden City Commission voted unanimously to cancel the planned fire protection assessment after city staff reported finding $4.1 million in reductions that removed the immediate need for the fee.

City Manager (name not specified) told the commission, "I'm going to make the recommendation tonight that we do not proceed with this public hearing to impose the fire protection rescue assessment." The manager said staff identified $1.9 million in personnel and operating reductions and $2.2 million in capital reductions, achieved through zero-based budgeting and a hiring freeze on non-public-safety vacancies.

The recommendation followed an initial assessment resolution adopted in late June before the city had certified taxable values and before the state adopted its budget and revenue estimates. After the manager's presentation, a commissioner moved to "cancel and not proceed with the fire assessment," the motion received a second, and the commission voted to carry the motion unanimously.

During public comment that followed, several residents criticized the notice and timing of the proposal. One resident said the mailed notice was not received in a timely manner and argued the city should allow more time for public comment: "You should have a minimum of 90 days for people to respond. ... I have neighbors that arrived home after a 2 month vacation today. They don't even know this was going on." Another resident who said he supports a dedicated funding source for fire and police urged better public notice and suggested statutory compliance if the city revisits the plan.

City staff have not scheduled a new hearing; the commission removed the item from the agenda. The city manager indicated staff will continue budget work and review user fees and other options to address revenue shortfalls.

The action was procedural: the commission cancelled proceeding with the public hearing and took no ordinance or assessment roll action this evening.