Okaloosa commissioners raise Dorcas Fire District special-assessment rate to shore up volunteer-paid hybrid service

Okaloosa County commissioners voted July 14 to adjust special-assessment collection rates for the Dorcas Fire District to recover revenue lost when agricultural parcels were exempted from county assessments.

Pat Maddox, director of public safety, outlined the district’s transition from an independent special district to a dependent district under county oversight and the funding shortfall created by statutory prohibitions on assessing certain agricultural parcels. Maddox said a 6.97% increase—tied to the five‑year average growth in personal income allowed by statute—would recover roughly 40% of the lost revenue and help sustain a hybrid paid‑volunteer fire service.

Commissioners discussed the unique legal and administrative constraints created by county operation of the district, the potential burden on property owners, and town‑hall feedback in the district favoring maximum funding to improve response and capabilities. "This is a life‑safety issue," one commissioner said, urging support to ensure the area is not underserved as growth continues.

After discussion, the board approved the resolution to provide for and collect the adjusted special-assessment fees for the Dorcas Fire District; the vote was unanimous. Staff will implement the change in accordance with statutory notice and collection processes and will continue engagement with residents about service improvements.

Next steps: County staff to implement the revised collection rate, provide examples of impacts to average parcels if requested, and report back on service enhancements enabled by the increased revenue.