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Miramar clarifies fire fee ordinance, affirms condos and townhomes are assessed and adds hardship language
Summary
The commission approved amendments correcting language in the fire-protection-fee ordinance, clarifying that condominium and townhome properties are assessed and that hardship assistance may be granted with city-funded assistance paid from non-assessment funds.
The City Commission on May 7 approved an ordinance amending sections 1.01 and 2.14 of Ordinance No. 04-17 (provision of fire-protection services and assessment of fire-protection fees) to correct scrivener errors and clarify the hardship-assistance process.
Katrina Davenport, the city's social services director, told the commission that staff confirmed condominiums and townhomes are subject to the fire-protection fee assessment. Davenport said the ordinance language was clarified to address ambiguous wording about "no payment" versus "paid." The amended language adds that residents may qualify for exemption or hardship assistance and that applicants must provide written documentation satisfactory to the city to qualify. It further specifies that any amounts provided for hardship assistance will be paid by the city from funds other than those generated by fire-protection assessments.
City staff recommended approval. The commission voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance as presented. Recorded votes were: Commissioner Chambers; Commissioner Sherzard; Vice Mayor Coburn; Commissioner Edwards; and Mayor Wayne Messam, all voting yes.
The change does not alter which property types are assessed, according to staff; it clarifies administrative process and funding for hardship assistance. Staff said further details on the application process and documentation requirements will be provided by the city for residents seeking relief under the ordinance.
