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Hendry County approves a 'not to exceed' MSBU ceiling for fire services; staff presented revenue and per‑parcel scenarios
Summary
Commissioners approved a 'not to exceed' MSBU option for East and West fire districts (board recorded the approval of 'proposed plan 3' as a $40 ceiling), after staff presented several fee scenarios, sample homeowner impacts and an estimated $683,000 annual revenue increase under the $40 option.
The Hendry County Board voted June 9 to set a 'not to exceed' ceiling for a fire MSBU (Municipal Services Benefit Unit) intended to raise additional revenue for readiness and demand components of fire services.
Chief Stafford and county staff presented several MSBU options and line‑item rates for categories such as vacant residential, improved residential, mobile‑home lots, RV park sites and commercial acreage. Staff used sample calculations to show the household impact of different readiness increases; for example, staff materials showed a $30 readiness increase would raise a sample homeowner charge to $225.93. During discussion commissioners clarified they intended a higher ceiling: the motion approved "proposed plan 3," described in the staff packet as a $40 not‑to‑exceed increase. Staff estimated that the $40 option would generate roughly $683,000 in additional revenue county‑wide.
Commissioner Emory Howard moved to approve option one for west and east fire under the not‑to‑exceed limits; Commissioner Mitchell Wills seconded. Commissioners voted in favor on a roll call.
Why it matters: The approved ceiling gives staff flexibility to set final rates up to the adopted limit and provides a funding path for fire readiness and operations. Staff said the precise per‑parcel totals will be finalized in the fee schedule brought to future agenda items and that the adopted motion establishes a maximum the board can use when certifying MSBU rates for the TRIM notice.
Next steps: Staff will bring finalized rate schedules and trim‑notice paperwork back to the board and incorporate the approved MSBU rates into the county’s budget process.
