Subject:
Title
Approval, Re: Fire Assessment Rate Adjustment of up to thirty-seven percent (37%).
End
Fiscal Impact:
Adjustment to the current Fire Assessment rate resulting in up to $14,322,233 in additional revenue annually.
Dept/Office:
Public Safety Group: Brevard County Fire Rescue
Requested Action:
Recommendation
Fire Rescue is requesting Board consideration for two actions: 1) Approve an adjustment up to 37% to the FY2025-26 Fire Assessment rate and 2) Authorize the Chairman to sign the attached proposed Fire Assessment Rate Resolution subject to changes necessary to reflect the Board of County Commissioner’s approval with final review by the County Attorney’s Office.
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Summary Explanation and Background:
On April 22, 2025, the Board approved the advertisement of a public hearing to consider up to a 37% Fire Assessment rate adjustment using the existing approved Fire Assessment methodology with annual adjustments equal to the change in the Consumer Price Index or 3%, whichever is lower. For this public hearing, the Department has met all statutory requirements for public notifications. The attached rate resolution has been coordinated with the County Attorney’s Office.
The current Fire Assessment was adjusted in 2021 upon public hearing and Board approval. Population growth contributing to increased workload, employee turnover resulting in overtime, and inflation on infrastructure and emergency equipment costs have escalated operating expenses for Fire Rescue.
Action 1: Approval of an adjustment up to 37% to the Fire Assessment Rate:
Option 1: 37% increase - $14.32M
Captures capital and infrastructure requirements and addresses future station/crew needs not identified in the previous 7-year plan, accounts for inflation losses from 2021-2025, and covers exhausted non-reoccurring ARPA funds. This option includes a 6% annual inflation rate for capital and infrastructure. Adjustments would use the current approved methodology with annual increases equal to the CPI rate or 3%, whichever is less. This option provides for the County’s proposed 1 year contract including subsequent increases for three years thereafter with STEP + CPI + aggressive additional wage adjustments.
See Table 1 for details on revenue generated, rate differences, and General Fund impacts.
Option 2: Any other increase (less than 37%) approved by the Board.
TABLE 1:
Action 2: Authorize the Chair to sign the attached proposed Fire Assessment Rate Resolution
Please see attachment 1 for the proposed Fire Assessment Rate Resolution.
Clerk to the Board Instructions:
Based on Board approval, a Rate Resolution for the Chair’s signature will be provided by the Fire Rescue Department.