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Commissioners hear unified fire tax plan; chiefs warn 11.73¢ may not meet staffing needs
Summary
County staff proposed a unified FY27 fire tax of 11.73¢ (projected revenue $62.98M) while chiefs argued a higher rate (chiefs' maintain ~14.73¢) is needed to meet staffing and capital requests; staff said budget adoption is June 2 and will include follow‑up meetings July–October to set a multi‑year plan.
County staff presented a unified fire tax funding methodology and the FY27 budget schedule, and multiple fire chiefs urged commissioners to re‑examine whether the recommended rate meets departmental needs.
Staff reported the FY26 single‑rate equivalent at just over $49 million (13.24¢), a revenue‑neutral FY27 estimate just over $52 million at 9.19¢, department requests totaling just over $74 million, and the manager’s recommended FY27 figure of $62,977,963 (11.73¢). The staff presentation identified salaries, benefits and capital needs as the principal drivers for the FY27 request and set the following next steps: presentation to the commission (this meeting), a budget public hearing on May 19, and budget adoption scheduled for June 2.
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