Subject:
Title
Presentation of Fire Assessment Report addressing the timeline and actions needed should the Board plan to consider an adjustment for the Fire Service Non-Ad Valorem Assessment (Fire Assessment).
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Fiscal Impact:
To be determined.
Dept/Office:
District 1 Commission
Requested Action:
Recommendation
A presentation of the report findings has been requested to be given to the commissioners by the county manager. The commissioners will consider and discuss the report findings. This item is in tandem with a proposed board workshop presented under a separate agenda item.
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Summary Explanation and Background:
As of November 14, 2024, 93 of Brevard County's firefighters have resigned, retired or been removed from duty in 2024. This number exceeds 20% of the county’s firefighter force. The high separation rates and higher salaries offered by other local and regional jurisdictions have been brought to the attention of the Brevard County Commission at multiple public meetings in 2024 during public comment.
On September 17th, 2024, in response to concerns raised to the board, the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) directed staff to develop a report identifying the timeline and actions that would be required to potentially adjust the Fire Assessment, including multiple options the Board may consider.
At the September 17th Budget Hearing, the Board directed staff to prepare a report addressing the timeline and actions needed should the Board plan to consider an increase for the Fire Service Non-Ad Valorem Assessment (Fire Assessment). The attached report outlines the evolution of the Fire Assessment and includes a timeline that applies to increasing the assessment for FY 2026. Additionally, this report includes information the Board would need to be aware of regarding the relationship between Fire Operations revenues/expenses and EMS revenues/expenses. The report has been structured in a way that provides the Board with needed information for consideration in providing Fire Rescue Operations the additional financial resources to accomplish its mission in meeting any direction that the Board provides related to Fire Rescue Services.
Contributors to the report included staff from the County Manager’s Office, the County Attorney’s Office, the Budget Office, and Fire Rescue.
Clerk to the Board Instructions: