Fire chief asks council to study non‑ad valorem fire assessment; staff to seek $65,000 consultant study

Fire Chief Chris Byrne told the City Council May 18 that staff recommends studying a non‑ad valorem fire‑service assessment to create a stable, dedicated revenue stream for fire rescue services.

Byrne said the assessment methodology would allocate costs by property type — for example a flat residential fee and commercial rates by square footage — and would appear as a separate line item on the annual property tax bill. He cited Florida Statute 170 as the statutory authority for assessments of this type and noted the city adopted an assessment ordinance after a 2008 study but did not adopt rate resolutions at that time.

"The purpose of this program is to present a non ad valorem funding strategy for fire rescue services," Byrne said, adding that a consultant study would develop cost‑of‑service calculations, propose assessment methodology and recommend rates. Staff estimated the cost of the consultant study and implementation at approximately $65,000 ($50,000 study + $15,000 implementation).

Councilors generally supported pursuing a study. Vice Chair Champagne said he "subscribes to your recommendation completely" and Councilor Goler and others urged staff to address equity and public communication. Several councilors asked that any assessment be paired with a corresponding millage adjustment to avoid the perception of a tax increase; staff noted state law prevents double‑charging and that the assessment would free general‑fund capacity for other services.

Council directed staff to include the consultant cost in the FY27 budget proposal and to return with a full study and implementation plan; if adopted on schedule the assessment would be implemented alongside the millage process for FY28.

Next steps: staff will include a consultant line in the FY27 budget, proceed with a statutorily compliant study and present findings and rate recommendations to council before any adoption vote.