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Newberry commission sets final fire assessment at $300 after hourslong debate
Summary
After a multi‑hour presentation and public comment, the City Commission voted 4–1 to set the final residential fire assessment at $300 for fiscal 2026; commissioners and residents debated alternatives, distribution of the burden between residents and businesses, and possible county takeover.
The Newberry City Commission voted 4–1 on Aug. 25 to set the city’s final residential fire assessment at $300 for fiscal year 2026, rejecting the maximum noticed rate of $419 after a presentation by staff and an extended public comment period. The vote was taken after staff summarized a three‑year call‑data study and a proposed assessment schedule intended to move the city toward a 50/50 split of fire department funding between property tax millage and non‑ad valorem fire assessments.
Why it matters: The fire assessment helps fund the city’s fire protection services and debt for fire equipment. Changing the split between assessment revenue and property tax affects how costs fall across homeowners and commercial property owners and can materially change bills for high‑square‑footage nonresidential properties.
Staff presentation and legal limits: Assistant City Manager Dallas Lee told the commission that “the funds raised through your fire…
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