The Fire District say this “It is the intent of the Board of Fire Commissioners to exempt those properties that are currently exempt from property taxes under the ad valorem taxing methodology, as long as said properties are classified appropriately as being exempt.”
But the law is this:
A Florida appeals court has ruled that churches can be required to pay assessments only if their property is directly benefited. The court concluded that fees imposed on churches for fire and rescue met the definition of assessment and therefore could be assessed against a church consistently with the church’s exemption from property tax. The court also pointed out that the churches in question were prevented from challenging these assessments since they had paid them without protest for twenty years.
The only way is to modify the law, is for the Board of the Lehigh Acres Fire District to approve a non-revocable resolution stating that they the board will exempt those properties that are currently exempt from property taxes if the tax assessment is passed.
Having grown up in churches all my life and having two family members who have been local pastors, I have a hard time believing why a church or any other organization should be exempt from paying taxes for a service that will benefit the property. Their building will burn just like any other structure and there is no reason why any organization should be exempt from paying something. There are way too many different organization out there that claim they are a religious organization so they can avoid paying taxes. This story really has no merit of any kind.
I agree fully. Especially when it comes to the “Presbyterian Homes” where ambulance service seems to be used quite regularly on an everyday basis. This is one complex that I would think would want to make sure they have a quick response for their residents. There have been days where the service is used five times a day. Yes the argument will be a higher cost for the residents, possibly, but what is the alternative cost?
According to the Fire Board anf the Chief there is no other alternatives — SAFER GRANT or the Fire Tax Assessment
Lehigh Acres Gazette Web Team