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Board approves fire protection assessment; chief explains hydrant‑less response
Summary
After residents asked why some properties are being assessed despite lacking nearby hydrants, Fire Chief Craig Stevens explained tanker‑shuttle tactics and said the MSBU pays for apparatus, station work and 13 hired personnel; the board approved the assessment 5‑0.
During the public hearing on the fire protection assessment (H‑2), multiple residents asked why they are being assessed when their neighborhoods have few or no fire hydrants. Leslie Larmen said she could not afford the assessment on two mobile homes and worried about response time if a fire occurred.
Fire Chief Craig Stevens responded that hydrants are beneficial where available, but Citrus County is a largely rural service area that relies on tanker shuttle operations to supply water in outlying areas. "We run tankers to the outlying areas where we do not have water supply in a hydrant," Stevens said, describing collapsible tanks and repeated shuttle runs from water sources. Stevens also confirmed the MSBU revenue is funding apparatus purchases, station remodels and 13 personnel hires discussed in prior meetings.
Several residents also described local brush piles and code complaints; staff and the chief offered to follow up. The board voted to approve the fire assessment (motion carries 5‑0).
