Dunedin commission authorizes RFP for study of possible fire-assessment to shore up budget

The Dunedin City Commission voted unanimously July 9 to authorize city staff to advertise a request for proposals for a study on a possible fire-protection assessment, a non‑ad valorem charge that would fund fire operations separately from the general fund.

City staff framed the RFP as a preparatory step in case statewide property‑tax reforms cut local ad valorem revenue. “We spend about $12,000,000 a year in our fire department and about $2,000,000 on EMS,” City Manager said, describing why the city needs to explore stable alternatives. Finance Director Les Tyler said the study will isolate assessable fire costs, exclude EMS expenses and produce rate options and a five‑year funding plan. “The assessment methodology is determined locally,” Tyler said, and the RFP asks proposers to develop legally defensible apportionment methods consistent with Florida case law.

Outside counsel Chris Rowe of Bryant Miller Olive reviewed legal steps in the assessment process and said a fully noticed public hearing of affected property owners would be required before any assessment is imposed. Staff said the RFP would include tasks to (1) identify full assessable costs excluding EMS, (2) develop a methodology and rate options, (3) produce implementation materials and (4) optionally assist with notices and tax-roll certification if the commission elects to proceed.

Commissioners pressed staff on timing and the exclusion of EMS from assessable costs. Commissioners were told EMS is currently reimbursed by Pinellas County and that those county reimbursements are funded from property taxes and therefore also at risk from reform. Tyler and staff explained that special assessments must convey a special benefit to real property, which is why EMS—considered a benefit to persons rather than property—is not typically assessable.

The commission discussed cost and consultant capacity; staff estimated the study and initial legal work at about $75,000–$100,000. Commissioners noted that some firms specialize in Florida assessment work; Rowe and staff said only a small number of firms statewide have deep experience with legally defensible fire assessments.

The commission approved advertising the RFP by voice vote (4–0). Next steps in staff’s timeline include a 30‑day solicitation period, a selection committee review, and a proposed vendor presentation to the commission later this year for approval to proceed with the study.