Ponce Inlet council agrees to gather information on proposed fire assessment; 4–1 split
Council directed staff to gather additional information and data on a potential Fire Non‑Ad Valorem Assessment to create a dedicated funding source for fire services; Councilmember White dissented. Resident John Carney submitted detailed legal objections in writing.
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Mayor Paritsky and Town staff led a July 14 budget workshop that included a presentation on a proposed Fire Non‑Ad Valorem Assessment (NAVA) by Fire Chief and Public Safety Director Scales. Chief Scales described the assessment as a possible dedicated revenue source, saying it "would function similarly to the stormwater utility fee; it would be collected through the annual property tax bill; and it could fund fire and EMS first‑response services." Councilmembers asked staff to gather more information, including feasibility, study scope and timeline; Chief Scales noted a consultant would be needed for the legally required apportionment analysis.
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