NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – New Smyrna Beach city leaders are considering a new fire assessment fee as they prepare for the potential loss of millions of dollars in property tax revenue if a proposed statewide constitutional amendment is approved by voters in November.
The proposal was discussed during a City Commission workshop Tuesday. According to city officials, New Smyrna Beach could lose about $4.5 million in property tax revenue in 2028 alone if the amendment passes with the required 60% voter approval. The city estimates it could lose nearly $13 million over the first two years.
To help offset those losses, city officials are proposing a fire assessment fee for property owners. Under the proposal, homeowners with residences larger than 2,100 square feet would pay about $100 annually at first. The fee would increase by 25% each year through 2030, reaching about $426 annually.
The city estimates the assessment would generate approximately $2.5 million in its first year and about $10.2 million annually by 2030.
Some residents and business owners said they support the proposal, arguing the city must ensure firefighters have the resources needed to respond to emergencies.
“Fires happen all the time, so we need people to take care of that,” one resident said. “If we don’t have the money for the people to take care of that, then we are just going to have a burned city.”
A restaurant owner also voiced support for the proposal, saying firefighters have responded to his business four times and he understands the importance of adequately funding the department.
Others said they want more information before supporting a new fee.
Resident Debbie Bell, who has lived in New Smyrna Beach since 2003, said she plans to ask city leaders for more details about the city’s finances before any decision is made.
“I’d like to find out why and where it goes,” Bell said. “Budget. To see where the money comes in, the money goes out. I’ve heard that from many of my friends as we’ve discussed it, and they wonder where all the money is going.”
The City Commission did not take any formal action during Tuesday’s workshop.
City officials said a decision on whether to implement the fire assessment fee must be made by Sept. 15.