During a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the proposed nearly $5 million budget for the fire department, particularly around the lack of comprehensive data to justify the costs. Community member Carol Moseley emphasized the need for transparency, questioning the average cost per fire response and the number of incidents in 2023. She argued that without public workshops to discuss these figures, the decision-making process lacked due diligence.

Moseley highlighted the potential inequities in the proposed assessment structure, suggesting that it unfairly assumes equal effort is required to extinguish fires in vastly different properties, such as mansions versus mobile homes. She also criticized the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, noting that her district did not benefit from the commercial developments funded by these resources, raising questions about the collection of impact fees from such developments.

Dr. Paul Steele echoed these concerns, urging the board to delay the fire assessment for a year to gather more complete information. He warned that proceeding without adequate data could lead to legal challenges from residents opposed to the assessment. Steele also suggested exploring alternative budget cuts, such as reducing the number of collection centers for solid waste, to alleviate financial burdens on residents.

Both speakers called for a more thorough examination of the fire department's budget and the proposed assessment, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making that considers the financial impact on the community. The discussions underscored a growing demand for accountability and transparency in local government financial decisions.