WCOM NEWS

4-25-04

Miramar creates fire assessment fee

MIRAMAR--How homeowners pay for their fire services is going to change.

City commissioners Wednesday voted 5-0 to create a fire assessment fee, a special cost against assessed property to finance fire protection, facilities and programs.

Fire services are budgeted through property taxes, but city officials have said residents in more expensive homes are paying too much.

Mayor Lori Moseley said creating an assessment fee means all homeowners would pay the same amount. City officials are proposing an annual flat fee per home. Businesses would be assessed based on square footage, she said.

"The money will get specifically allocated in one area and everyone will pay their equal share," Moseley said.

Commissioners are expected to vote on the amount of the yearly fee during a meeting set for 7 p.m. May 5 at City Hall, 6700 Miramar Parkway.

Because fire protection would be paid separately, Moseley said, the goal is to lower property taxes.

"It probably becomes a wash," she said. "The decision will affect the rest of the budget. That's why it has to be made now."

The city has experienced a loss of revenue because development has slowed down, and the rising cost of health insurance and employee pension plans have drained its budget, according to city documents. The fee is one way to help the city pay for the services.

In Broward County, 23 out of 30 cities use the fire assessment, according to the city.

(source) Sun Sentinel (Lori Sykes) 4-25-04