Commission asks staff for options on fire assessment after hearing staff and public on staffing, overtime and station conditions

Brevard County commissioners on Feb. 11 asked staff to prepare recommendations for updating the county’s fire assessment after a lengthy presentation on staffing shortages, overtime and station conditions.

Commissioner Delaney, who introduced the item, said the department had suffered “121 personnel separations since 01/01/2024” and reported “24,692 hours of mandatory overtime” through the current accounting period. She said the county spent $7,297,162 on overtime in 2024 and described a need for additional ambulances and repairs at multiple stations.

During questions, the fire chief (unnamed) explained that the mandatory overtime figure includes coverage caused by sick leave, annual leave, military leave and other absences. County staff described the timing and process for a potential assessment increase, including public notification and two public hearings; staff said they would return recommended options in roughly 30 days to allow the board to set a not‑to‑exceed amount and then proceed through the budget calendar.

Public commenters urged quicker action and cited station repairs and health hazards. Sandra Sullivan recounted mold and water damage at one station and characterized conditions as a public‑safety concern; Thea Thorne, a registered nurse whose husband retired from Brevard County Fire Rescue, urged commissioners to fund firefighters and said, “They deserve to have this money.”

After discussion, Commissioner Altman moved and Commissioner Atkinson seconded a motion directing staff to return options for a fire assessment increase and related funding scenarios; the motion passed 5‑0.