Subject:
Title
Proposed Fire Assessment for Brevard County Fire Rescue
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Fiscal Impact:
To be determined by Board consideration for two adjustment options to the current Fire Assessment Rate
Dept/Office:
Public Safety/Brevard County Fire Rescue
Requested Action:
Recommendation
Fire Rescue is requesting Board consideration for three actions 1) Tentatively approve a fire assessment adjustment after considering two options, 2) Approve Fire Assessment Notice to Property Owners, and 3) Approve Public Hearing for final approval of the proposed Fire Assessment.
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Summary Explanation and Background:
At the February Budget Workshop, Public Safety presented a Fire Assessment proposal to be effective Fiscal Year 2021-2022. The Board gave staff general direction to bring back options to meet identified requirements in funding that address operating expenses. The Fire Assessment is one of two revenue sources that fund Fire Operations and is responsible for funding personnel, capital, infrastructure, and a reserve balance for the department.
The current Fire Assessment was developed in 2008 and readjusted in 2018 upon public hearing and Board approval. Population growth contributing to increased workload, employee turnover resulting in excess overtime, and year-to-year inflation on emergency equipment and supplies are escalating operating expenses for Fire Rescue.
Action 1: Proposed Fire Assessment Rates:
Option 1
A 29% adjustment to the current Fire Assessment rates using current approved Fire Assessment methodology with annually adjusted increases to CPI or 3%, whichever is lower. The new assessment rate equates to a $4.75 per month increase to the average assessed homeowner.
This adjusted rate would generate approximately $7,267,100 annually in additional revenue.
This increase will focus investment to entry level and high attrition Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician and Firefighter Paramedic positions with a salary in a range with identifie...
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