5-16-16 Reg. Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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BK:00028 PG:0267 Northwest Pocket Fire Department — Station 9 Northwest Pocket Fire Department did not request an increase in their budget for fiscal year 2016 - 2017. The fire district's tax base increased by $3,009,300 for a tax base of $185,713,000. However, their fund balance dropped by $32,500. Even with no increase in their budget, there was not sufficient growth in the tax base to offset the loss of $32,500 in fund balance. The projected tax rate for 2016 - 2017 will be $0.145 compared to the current rate of $0.129. In meeting with Chief Poole with Northwest Pocket Fire Department, the Fire Advisory Board could not see where the department could cut $28,000 in order to maintain the current tax rate. Chief Poole and the Board at Northwest Pocket are devastated by the proposed increase in the fire tax. The department just completed the additions to the sub -station on Blackstone Road to accommodate the size of a larger apparatus. The Fire Advisory Board is well aware that the officers and members at Northwest Pocket Fire Department work hard to make the most of the funds they have. At $185 million, Northwest Pocket Fire District is the smallest tax base in the county. After a lengthy discussion with Chief Poole and several officers and board members from Northwest Pocket Fire Department, we all agreed that no one wanted to increase the tax rate. However, the Fire Advisory Board did not see any other options but to approve the budget. The Fire Advisory Board is recommending the Northwest Pocket Fire Department's budget request and the resulting increase in the fire tax rate. Tramway Fire Department — Station 2 Tramway Fire Department's budget increased by $23,975 over the current budget. The increases in the budget were for a cost of living increase for paid staff and increase cost of insurance for the paid staff. The department is seeing an increase the cost in providing physicals for members. The departments insurance cost have increased, along with an increase in fleet maintenance. The tax base in the Tramway Fire District grew by $16,187,500. This growth in the tax base allowed enough room to accommodate the increase in budget. The Tramway Fire District's tax rate for 2016 — 2017 will remain the same at $0.089. The Fire Advisory Board recommends the budget request be approved as requested by Tramway Fire Department. Clearwater Forest District The fire tax rate for the Clearwater Forest and Waverly Place will remain at $0.187. The county contracts with the City of Sanford to provide fire protection to the Clearwater Forest area. The City of Sanford has requested an increase in funding from $42,000 to $43,000 in their contract to provide fire service. There was about $681,200 growth in the tax base. The growth in the tax base will help offset the increase in the fire protection cost. 5