TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Highlands Today

Sebring Moves Forward With Fire Assessment

ORDINANCE WILL BE DRAWN UP

ADVERTISEMENT

By Gary Pinnell | Highlands Today

Published: June 4, 2008

SEBRING — City councilors decided 5-0 to proceed with funding the fire department with an assessment on real property.

A motion was passed Tuesday which instructs Government Services Group of Tallahassee to draft an ordinance. A schedule shows the new proposal will be presented to the council on July 1. After two public hearings, the council can adopt it on second reading on Aug. 19, and the tax collector can be notified on Sept. 15.

"I think we need to go ahead and do it," said Councilor Margie Rhoades.
But, she added, people want fairness, so she would not consider a fire assessment without a reduction in millage. That means some of the poorest citizens, who will pay the fire assessment could pay more in overall taxes.

There are 261 churches, non-profits and others who currently pay no taxes.
"Those who have exemptions will pay some of the cost though," said Mayor George Hensley. "It's fair for them to pay some of the costs."

And, Rhodes added, there is a hardship provision for homeowners who can't afford to pay more taxes.
The assessment would generate over $2 million in taxes, according to GSG estimates. GSG and the Nabors law firm will charge the city $32,000 for their services.

Other Business
* Scott Noetlich was promoted to city administrator effective July 1, at a salary of $70,000. Current city manager Bob Hoffman is filling the assistant city manager position, which will cost the city $49,645 per year.

* A fire hydrant will be placed on the Rafael Rivero cul de sac on Thunderbird Road, where there are eight building lots.

* A 1998 Dodge Ram pickup and six police units with 100,000 miles will be replaced in the 2009 budget year. The total cost was about $164,000.

* The city contributed $5,000 to the Heartlands Young Professionals for a July 4 fireworks show and waived fees for the civic center.

FIRE ASSESSMENT
Commercial buildings $.10 per square foot
Industrial, warehouses $.03 per square foot
Nursing homes $2.03 per square foot
Homes $261
Rates are slightly lower under Plan B. Non-agricultural vacant parcels would pay $30
Proposed Tuesday to Sebring City Council by Government Services Group

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT