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Commission approves $354 fire rescue assessment amid resident objections
Summary
The commission approved the annual fire rescue non‑ad valorem assessment and a separate fire inspection assessment after public comment criticizing recurring special assessments and upward pressure on household costs.
The City Commission adopted a resolution Sept. 15 to reimpose the city’s fire rescue non‑ad valorem assessment, setting the per‑residence charge at $354, and subsequently adopted the fire inspection assessment for multifamily and commercial properties. The assessments were described by staff as legally permissible revenue streams that fund fire suppression, inspections and related services.
The decision is consequential because staff said the fire assessment covers approximately 95% of fire suppression costs and helps pay for large equipment purchases cited in the presentation. Adam Reichbeck, assistant city manager, told commissioners the proposed increase and assessment "cover 95% of the cost related to fire suppression," and that the assessment helps fund purchase of a replacement fire ladder.
Public commenters raised objections to recurring special assessments and the aggregate burden on homeowners. Bob Glickman said, "I hate this fee. Can't stand this fee," and urged council members to consider folding the assessment into the general budget rather than continuing a long‑running non‑ad valorem charge. Anne Ralston also objected to additional charges on residents already facing flood mitigation and other costs.
Staff responded that the fire assessment is a non‑ad valorem (flat) charge levied on properties that receive the service and that rolling the assessment into the ad valorem (property tax) levy would require the equivalent of an approximately 1.3‑mill increase to property tax rates. Staff also noted that non‑ad valorem assessments allow charges to be focused on those who receive the service rather than on all property owners.
The commission approved the fire rescue services assessment by unanimous voice vote after a motion and second; the fire inspection services assessment (a separate flat fee for multifamily residential and commercial properties) was also adopted unanimously. The record shows no amendments to the assessments; staff will post the assessment schedules and supporting calculations in the budget materials.
