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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 effectively imposed a tax on churches and civic nonprofits and that they had received little or no prior notice.
Jim Waters, representing a coalition of about 40 churches, and Jeremy Holly, another faith leader, urged the board to press for relief. Holly described the assessment as “a tax” in practice and cited Florida law that exempts property predominantly used for charitable or religious purposes from ad valorem taxes; he asked the county to request the state reverse the assessment on nonprofit organizations.
Commissioners acknowledged the speakers’ concerns but described limits on county authority. Commissioner Wright said: “From day 1, I didn't like the fire assessment fee. I thought it was a terrible idea. But I'm 1 person,” and urged affected groups to meet with state legislators. County Administrator Brad Baker told pastors he would provide delegation contacts and encouraged them to visit the legislative delegation as a group.
No formal board vote or directive to pursue legal action was recorded on Feb. 10. Staff provided informational follow‑up during the meeting and offered to connect church leaders with delegation contacts; commissioners suggested additional one‑on‑one meetings with staff to review options.
Next steps noted in the meeting: - County administration will provide delegation contact information and encouraged pastors to meet the state legislative delegation collectively. - Commissioners suggested the issue be addressed to the state level (delegation) because the authority to change the statutory assessment framework lies with the state legislature.
