The Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously Sept. 2 to adopt a final rate resolution raising the county’s fire protection assessment for fiscal year 2025–26. The board approved an increase in the residential assessment from $120 to $151 per year, a jump of $31.

The action follows staff recommendations and a public hearing. Greg Scott, a county staff member presenting the item, told the board the change reflects previously directed adjustments and that other categories would also rise: vacant land fire assessments would increase from $23.37 to $29.41 per year, commercial assessments would increase from $0.12 to $0.15 per square foot, and acreage charges for vacant land over 160 acres would increase from $0.22 to $0.28 per acre.

Citizens spoke during the public hearing. "We need to support this additional $31 a year — that’s only 8½ cents a day for residential," said Carol Lee Howe of Live Oak, who urged approval and praised the fire department’s work. Other public speakers expressed concern about the county’s overall tax burden but acknowledged the role of fire and emergency services.

Commissioners also discussed the assessment’s history. The board was told the residential rate had not been raised since 2021 and that the prior increase at that time had been $20. Commissioner Hale said he supported the increase despite reservations about raising costs for residents because of the public safety value of fire and emergency response vehicles.

Commissioner White moved to approve the rates as presented; Commissioner Hale seconded. The board voted 5–0 to adopt the final rate resolution.

The resolution sets the assessment framework for collecting the fee on taxable parcels in the county for the coming fiscal year. County staff said the assessment must proceed through the statutory notice and billing steps after adoption of the final resolution.