County's fire assessment rate public meetings rescheduled

Public meetings to discuss proposed Sarasota County residential and commercial fire assessment increases originally scheduled for Aug. 28-31 have been rescheduled for Sept. 5-7. 

Attendees will learn about the updated fire assessment methodology process and proposed rates for fiscal year 2024. 

Each year, fire assessment rates are evaluated as part of the budgetary process to align with the annual funding of fire protection services.

The department’s proposed 2024 budget includes recommendations for several public safety enhancements, including additional staffing, construction of a new fire station, renovation of two existing fire stations, advancements in technology and a thorough review of service delivery.

These enhancements require adjustments to the fire assessments of approximately:

• $2.81 per month for an average 2,500-square-foot home.
• $3.89 per month for an average 1,600-square-foot multifamily residence.
• $21.17 per month for an average 10,000-square-foot nonresidential building.

Fire assessments are the primary funding mechanism for the provision of fire protection services in unincorporated areas of Sarasota County and the city of Sarasota. Fire assessment fees are based on the square footage of a building and charges are imposed against real property. 

Sarasota County commissioners will vote on the final assessment rates for fiscal 2024 on Sept. 11.

Residents may attend any or all the following public meetings, which are planned to last one hour beginning at 5:30 p.m.:

• Tuesday, Sept. 5, at William H. Jervey Jr. Library, 300 Nokomis Ave. S., Venice.
• Wednesday, Sept. 6, at Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Ave., Sarasota.
• Thursday, Sept. 7, Selby Public Library, 1331 First St., Sarasota.

For more information, call 311 or visit scgov.net/firefees.