| The Fire District has proposed the following non-ad valorem assessment rates for fire protection and emergency rescue services, facilities, and programs:Residential property = $292.00 (flat rate) per improved residential parcel | |
| Commercial property = $0.35 per sq. ft. per improved commercial parcel | |
| Industrial/Warehouse property = $0.06 per sq. ft. per improved industrial/warehouse parcel | |
| Institutional property = $0.52 per sq. ft. per improved institutional parcel | |
| Unimproved land = $21.00 per acre (or portion thereof) *Minimum 1 acre and Maximum of 10 acres |
Editorial note — $292 flat rate is not a fair and equitable method is makes the poor poorer and the rich richer … it taxes a smaller homes at a higher rate and larger homes at a lower rate.
The Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District will be held on June 24, 2014 and will begin at 5:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District, Station 104, 3102 16th St SW, Lehigh Acres, FL 33976. Meetings will be conducted within the apparatus bay (accessible from the rear of the building) or in the classroom (accessible from the south parking lot). Accommodations for parking include the parking lot on the south and west side of building. The purpose of the meeting is to conduct District business and to take official action on any and all other business to come before the Board of Commissioners. Anyone wishing to appeal any action of the Board of Commissioners at any of the above referenced meeting(s) is responsible to have a verbatim record made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. If an individual requires special aid or services as addressed in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact Chief John Wayne (239) 303-5300.
According to the numbers which I have from the Lee Property Appraiser: This would result for 80% of the home owners in an increase of 200% to 400% compared to what they paid last year.
And the referendum’s language still doesn’t explain what type of square feet is taken for Commercial / Industrial / Institutional. Is it “total sq ft” or “under air sq ft” or even “under roof sq ft”?
Harry Kloppert, 239-368-2582
(I won’t be at the meeting because I’m busy as a poll worker on that day)
It is very interesting that the entire board voted on a formula for the wording on the ballot which was based on a ‘value based’ fee rather than a flat fee. Now they may change it to satisfy some public feedback. I do not think the flat fee is the proper way to charge the residents and I think the vote will be defeated in November. I would just like to see the committee make a decision based on their research like they already have, and not be moved by citizen reaction before the vote only to have the committe waiver on their decision and look like they are confused. It does not give me much faith that they are qualified to manage this important issue and department. No taxes or fees are assessed on properties in equal amounts. Taxes are based on size, value, age, etc so that larger more valuable properties pay more than smaller, less expensive, older properties. Please do not try to re-invent the way fees and taxes are collected. There are many good reasons to continue within the existing formulas.
The Lehigh fire dept does not need more money it needs to slim down.They have a budget of $15,000,000 of which is $13,000,000 in pay and benefits
GOOD cause – GOOD concept – BAD implementation and valuation