WINTER GARDEN, Fla. – The city of Winter Garden is asking for input from residents on a proposal to add a fire assessment fee to properties within city limits.
The first of two community meetings will be held on Tuesday, where the public can hear details about the proposed assessment and how it would help maintain fire and rescue service levels in response to rising costs.
At a city commission meeting last month, it was revealed that there is a $12 million projected deficit for fire services, and an assessment fee could fill the gap in funding.
The proposal comes after other Central Florida cities have considered imposing fire assessment fees.
In Sanford last month, city commissioners listened to a final presentation on how a proposed fire fee would work, before deciding if they want to move forward with public hearings and implement the fee in 2026.
The City of Kissimmee also approved an annual assessment that will enable its fire department to transition from its current 54-hour workweek to a 42-hour one. Shifts will change to 24 hours on and 72 hours off.
In addition to Tuesday’s community meeting in Winter Garden, residents will also be able to attend an informational meeting on July 29 at City Hall.
An official resolution on a fire assessment fee will be voted on by city commissioners at their Aug. 14 meeting.
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