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Brevard commissioners approve up-to-37% fire-assessment increase after weeks of public debate
Summary
The Brevard County Board of County Commissioners voted 5-0 to raise the fire-services special assessment up to 37% for fiscal 2025–26, a move county leaders say is needed to address staffing, equipment and capital shortfalls. The measure includes provisions for limited future annual adjustments tied to CPI or 3%, whichever is less.
Brevard County commissioners voted 5-0 on May 20 to approve an adjustment to the fire-services special assessment of up to 37% for fiscal 2025–26, a measure county staff and fire officials said is needed to shore up staffing, equipment and capital needs.
County staff told the board the option would capture funds for capital and infrastructure, address crew and station needs not covered in earlier plans, and offset the exhaustion of one-time federal funds. "This option provides the county's proposed one-year contract, including subsequent increases for three years thereafter, with step, CPI and aggressive additional wage adjustments," Chief Orlando Dominguez said during the presentation.
The vote followed more than three hours of public comment. Dozens of residents, many on fixed incomes, urged commissioners to find alternatives to a property-based assessment and warned a steep increase would hurt retirees and low-income households. "I've got to pay $277 for the fire assessment, and they're wanting to raise it another $102," Thomas Boyd said during public comment. "I don't get a 37% pay raise every year. I'm done." Other speakers, including firefighter family members and representatives of island communities, described staffing shortfalls and response vulnerabilities.
Board members said the county faces a public-safety funding gap and that the measure is intended to stabilize fire and EMS service while staff pursue other revenue options. Commissioner Kim Delaney said she regarded the increase as painful but necessary to "stop the bleed" in staffing; Commissioner John Goodson, who introduced the motion, said it was a step toward securing multi-year contracts for fire personnel. The adopted motion also authorizes the chair to sign the implementing resolution.
The approved option includes an annual adjustment mechanism — increases equal to the consumer price index or 3%, whichever is less — that staff said would be used to support multiyear compensation plans. Commissioners and several speakers asked for limits on the duration of automatic increases and for continued pursuit of alternative revenue, including impact-fee studies and a possible sales-tax option to replace or reduce reliance on the assessment.
The board directed staff to return with the implementing rate resolution and additional reporting on how assessment revenues will be applied to staffing, capital and operations. The county will mail notices and follow the statutorily required procedures for implementing special assessments.
The action concluded a process that included public hearings, extensive staff analysis and a lengthy public-comment period at the May 20 meeting. Commissioners said they would continue seeking other revenue sources to reduce future pressure on property owners.
Ending: The assessment increase takes effect for fiscal year 2025–26; staff will present follow-up analyses and implementation details to the board before the start of the fiscal year.
