Brooksville City Council debates fire service funding and potential consolidation with Hernando County

The Brooksville City Council meeting on July 7, 2025, focused on the city's fire protection services and potential consolidation with Hernando County. A significant discussion centered around the estimated costs for fire services in fiscal year 2026, with projections indicating that the city may need to allocate approximately $1.4 million to the county for an Advanced Life Support (ALS) fire engine. This figure is part of a broader estimate of $1.5 million for fire protection services, which could fluctuate based on ongoing negotiations.

Council members expressed concerns about the financial implications of these costs, particularly in relation to the current fire assessment fees collected from residents. The conversation highlighted the complexities of the existing cohabitation agreement between the city and county, which involves shared responsibilities and costs for the fire station. It was clarified that the cohabitation agreement would not add to the estimated $1.5 million cost if the city were to consolidate fire services with the county.

Several council members advocated for exploring consolidation further, suggesting that it could streamline services and potentially reduce costs for residents. One council member proposed directing city staff to coordinate with the county to develop a proposal for discussion in the next budget meeting. This proposal would aim to clarify the benefits of consolidation versus maintaining the current fire department structure.

The meeting underscored the urgency for the council to make informed decisions regarding fire services, as past decisions have led to ongoing financial challenges. Council members acknowledged the need for further information from the county to fully understand the implications of consolidation and to ensure that residents' interests are prioritized in any future agreements. The discussions will continue as the council seeks to navigate the complexities of fire service funding and management in Brooksville.