Palm Bay publishes notice to explore fire-protection assessment; special hearing set for Feb. 27
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Summary
City staff published a legal notice to begin a study exploring a non-ad valorem fire-protection assessment for new development; the public process will include a special council business meeting Feb. 27 and subsequent hearings before any assessment could be adopted.
City Manager Morton told the council a legal notice appeared in Florida Today to preserve the city’s ability to explore a fire protection non‑ad valorem assessment program. The proposed study would determine appropriate need, methodology, and whether to seek uniform collection through the Brevard County property appraiser and tax collector, with implementation potentially beginning in October 2026 if the process and subsequent hearings support adoption.
Morton said the city is pursuing the assessment because the fire department is resource‑challenged and the city is attempting to align the costs of new development with the infrastructure and apparatus needed to serve those areas without immediately raising the millage rate. The public process will include the study, multiple hearings and a special city council business meeting scheduled for February 27 at 6 p.m.
Morton stressed the process is time‑sensitive to meet statutory notice requirements and that further public hearings and methodology work will precede any final adoption. Council members asked for clarity on potential duration and review cycles; staff said the study will recommend the timing, and the council may choose review intervals similar to impact‑fee reviews.
