Miramar corrects language on fire protection assessment exemption; commissioners seek clarity on implementation

The Miramar City Commission on April 2 approved by roll call an ordinance to correct wording and cross‑references in the city’s fire protection services and assessment ordinance. The amendment clarifies that eligible homeowners may receive an exemption from the fire protection assessment rather than a "payment," and corrects a county code reference.

Director Katrina Davenport of the Social Services Department presented the ordinance and described the hardship assistance process: property owners may apply for an exemption between May 1 and July 31 if they meet income and asset guidelines and own property with a just value of $250,000 or less. Davenport said the social services department administers the program and that senior exemptions are processed through the Broward County Property Appraiser.

Commissioner Sherazard raised a drafting question after reading backup material that appeared to continue to reference a payment, not an exemption, and asked staff and the city attorney to review the backup documents for consistency before second reading. City attorney and staff confirmed the ordinance corrects scrivener errors: a county code cross‑reference changed after the original ordinance and ‘‘payment’’ should read ‘‘exemption.’’ City staff said they would review and reconcile the backup language and return clarifying wording at the second reading if needed.

Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt the corrected ordinance on the first reading. Commissioners also asked staff to verify whether condo and townhouse owners are eligible for the exemption and to report back before the second reading.