It is necessary to raise the fee so that Lake County can continue to improve the fire department's response times and provide quality service. The increase is needed to hire more firefighters, buy the necessary equipment and pay for operating expenses such as fuel and health insurance. Property owners pay this fire assessment fee once a year, no matter how many times the fire department is called to their home or property.
No, the fire assessment fee is separate from the County's property tax revenue. Tax cuts or increases do not affect fire fees, which are used to pay for Fire Rescue operating expenses.
The Lake County Fire Rescue Division has 163 firefighters on staff. The proposed plan is to hire an additional 12 firefighters during the 2007-2008 fiscal year.
The property tax notice you received includes the proposed $197 assessment fee to be used for personnel and operating expenses. The fire impact fee pays for capital items, such as the construction of a new fire station. Impact fees are one-time charges on all development and are paid when a project goes through the permit process. The fire services impact fee is only charged on projects located in areas served by the Lake County Fire Rescue Division. New fire stations budgeted for next year include Station 78 in the Lake Jem area, Station 90 east of Minneola, Station 13 in northeast Lake County. All proposed improvements are designed to contribute to the maximum credit possible in order to reduce Lake County’s Insurance Services Office (ISO) Risk Classification, which helps continue to reduce fire insurance rates for both residential and commercial properties. For more information about the methodology for selecting locations for new fire stations, call the Lake County Department of Public Safety at (352) 343-9458.
Save on your property tax bill by taking of advantage of the discounts for early payment. If a property tax bill is paid in November, the property owner receives a 4 percent discount. For each month that passes, the savings decreases by one percentage point until March when the full amount is due. Residents may also qualify for Hardship Assistance for Fire Rescue Assessments. Low-income individuals who meet eligibility requirements may receive assistance with solid waste and fire assessment fees. This service is available annually from Nov. 1 to March 31. For more information, call (352) 742-6501.
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