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Church leaders urge county to challenge non‑ad valorem fire assessment after large bills to nonprofits
Summary
Local pastors and nonprofit leaders told commissioners the recent non‑ad valorem fire assessment is imposing unexpected costs on churches and asked the county to seek reversal from state authorities; commissioners expressed sympathy but said legislative remedies rest with state lawmakers.
Multiple pastors and church representatives used public forum on Feb. 10 to tell the Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners that a recent non‑ad valorem fire assessment had unexpectedly increased nonprofit bills and threatened local charitable services.
Matthew Cotton, pastor at Avalon Baptist Church, said his small church received an assessment “over $4,000” and described the proposal as “a frighteningly huge number compared to the number that it was before, which was 0.” Cotton and other speakers said the change…
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