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Leon County hires Fitch & Associates to study fire‑service models after city gives notice
Summary
Following the City of Tallahassee’s notice that it will not renew the interlocal fire‑services agreement, the Leon County Commission unanimously approved a contract with Fitch & Associates to analyze alternative, cost‑effective models, including billing and collection methods and equity of the current fire‑service fee.
The Leon County Commission unanimously approved awarding a contract to Fitch & Associates to evaluate alternative models for fire and emergency services in the unincorporated county, a move prompted after the City of Tallahassee notified the county it will not extend their interlocal agreement when it expires in September 2028.
County staff explained the selection follows a competitive solicitation and recommended options 1 and 2 in the RFP. Vice Chair O’Keefe moved to adopt staff recommendations and Commissioner Proctor seconded; after extended discussion the board approved the contract unanimously.
Two public speakers asked the board to consider cost and fairness. Daniel Waters, a 30‑year fire‑service professional, warned the county that duplicating services would not save money and urged renewed negotiations with the city to preserve current service levels. Christopher Godwin gave concrete examples he said demonstrate fee inequity: "a 10,000 square foot quilt shop in Zone 1 would pay $3,840 for the fire service fee. A 19,000 square foot bomb facility in Zone 1 would pay $621," he said, arguing the current square‑footage‑based fee does not correlate with risk or service benefit.
Commissioners largely agreed a joint city‑county fire service is preferable but said the city’s written notice obliges the county to plan. The commission asked the consultant to evaluate multiple options, including whether the current fee formula is equitable, alternatives to placing the assessment on utility bills, and the financial and operational steps required if the county had to assume responsibility in 2028. County Attorney reminded the board that many contracts already include a clause making obligations subject to annual appropriation.
The consultant contract is expected to provide an independent, data‑driven analysis this spring or summer that the board can use in negotiations with the city or to plan a county‑led service model.
Next steps: Fitch & Associates will proceed with the agreed scope; staff will return with findings and a timeline for potential negotiations or transition planning. The commission recessed until 6:00 p.m.
