SANFORD, Fla. – The Sanford City Commission on Tuesday held a second public hearing on proposed fire assessment fees, sparking debate between residents and city leaders ahead of a final vote scheduled for early September.
Emotions ran high as residents expressed frustration over the financial burden the new fee could place on homeowners.
“You could put lipstick on a pig and it’s still a pig. And that’s a tax—I don’t care what you say, that is a tax. It wasn’t assessed, it is an imposed, not voted for, tax,” one resident said during public comment.
If approved, the new fee would apply to all property owners citywide, including those whose homes currently receive tax exemptions which is causing many of the retired residents to worry.
“Most of the citizens in Sanford are getting older and getting to be senior citizens. So my question is: is there any way to redirect this assessment so that the impact fees are covering this?” said another resident.
City officials said the Sanford Fire Department needs to raise around $2.4 million annually to help cover expenses and fund critical improvements. According to Mayor Art Woodruff, the dedicated fee would cost about $95 per year per household. Woodruff emphasized that the funding is essential for maintaining public safety.
Sanford is not alone in considering or implementing fire assessment fees amid rising costs and demands on emergency services. Kissimmee commissioners recently approved their own fire assessment, which will help raise pay and shorten firefighter work weeks from 56 to 42 hours. In Winter Garden, proposals could see fees climb beyond $500 annually for the largest homes. Ocoee officials are also advancing a rate hike, while Mount Dora has put in place a hardship program to support homeowners who struggle to pay the fee.
The final vote in Sanford is expected to take place in early September, with officials and residents watching closely to see whether the city will join a growing list of Central Florida communities using dedicated fire fees to bridge budget gaps.