WINTER GARDEN, Fla. – The Winter Garden city manager has recommended that the city not proceed with a public hearing to impose a fire assessment.
In a letter obtained Tuesday by News 6, City Manager Jon C. Williams said staff members reviewed the proposed FY (fiscal year) 2025-26 operating budget and staff members have “identified nearly $4 million in reductions to the proposed operating and capital expenses.”
The letter, addressed to residents and business owners, said, “While there is still a need to address an operational deficit, these adjustments now allow staff to recommend that the City not proceed with the public hearing to impose a fire assessment.”
[VIDEO BELOW: Fire fees considered in Winter Garden]
Williams closed by saying, “City staff will continue to evaluate the budget to ensure operational efficiency and fiscal responsibility, any additional funding needs will be considered when determining the final tax millage rate. We appreciate your engagement and support as we work to balance responsible fiscal management with the delivery of essential services.”
The proposal never sat right with Winter Garden resident Luis Bello. He’s said he’s seen the growth since he moved there two decades ago — both in population and in the cost of living.
“Show me you can actually know how to manage your money before I’m ready to give you more money,” he said. “We’re already paying enough as it is in real estate taxes.”
Another resident, Chris Bello, also welcomed the reversal.
“I think it’s great that they magically found the funds,” he said. “All the residents went from outrage to happiness.”
Winter Garden city commissioners will still need to take action, including having the option to remove the item from the agenda, at Thursday’s commission meeting.
The letter comes two weeks after Winter Garden residents packed City Hall to voice opposition to the proposed fire assessment fee.
During a public meeting, many residents made it clear that they support the city’s fire department but strongly oppose the idea of paying more in taxes to fund city services.
“The taxes now, you want to go up. You want assessments. You want to increase. Guess what, the pockets are empty,” one resident told city leaders during the meeting.
The proposed annual fire assessment fee would have started at $330 for homes smaller than 1,000 square-feet and exceed $500 for homes over 3,500 square-feet.
[READ: Full letter from Winter Garden city manager]
“Dear Residents and Business Owners,
“As previously communicated, the City was required to meet statutory deadlines in order to consider imposing the Fire Protection and Rescue Assessment. As such, the initial assessment resolution included the maximum assessment that can be levied (which is the amount specified in the special mailer sent to property owners).
“However, it was never the City’s intention to impose the fire assessment at the maximum rate. From the outset, our goal has been to reduce proposed operating expenditures to significantly lower - or potentially eliminate - the need of a fire assessment all together.
“After continued and careful review of the proposed FY2025-26 operating budget, the City of Winter Garden staff has identified nearly $4 million in reductions to the proposed operating and capital expenses. While there is still a need to address an operational deficit, these adjustments now allow staff to recommend that the City not proceed with the public hearing to impose a fire assessment.
“City staff will continue to evaluate the budget to ensure operational efficiency and fiscal responsibility, any additional funding needs will be considered when determining the final tax millage rate.
“We appreciate your engagement and support as we work to balance responsible fiscal management with the delivery of essential services.
“Jon C. Williams
“City Manager
“City of Winter Garden”
[WATCH PREVIOUS COVERAGE BELOW]