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Resident urges help for seniors as Polk County approves $393 fire assessment
Summary
A resident told commissioners that recent fire assessment increases are burdensome for seniors on fixed incomes before the board approved a $393 single-family fire services assessment for FY 2025-26.
Polk County commissioners approved the final rate resolution for 2025-26 fire services assessments after a public commenter urged relief for seniors. The county attorney's office recommended adoption of the assessment schedule, which lists a $393 single-family residence assessment for fire services in fiscal year 2025-26.
During the public hearing on Item A6, Anthony Higa of North Lakeland said, “in regards to the fire, in 'twenty 4 and 'twenty 5, there was a 39.5% increase,” and said the cumulative effect of property-tax increases is making it harder for people on fixed incomes. Higa asked the board to lower the assessment to help seniors. The board closed public comment and adopted the final rate resolution by voice vote.
County staff and the county attorney framed the assessment as necessary to fund the fire-rescue budget and maintain essential services in the fire service district; the transcript does not record any motion to change the recommended $393 rate before adoption.
