The Brooksville City Council held a special meeting on July 28, 2025, focusing on the future of the Brooksville Fire Department (BFD) and its funding strategies. The meeting addressed several key topics, including proposed increases in fire assessment fees, potential grants, and the department's strategic vision for enhanced services.

The discussion began with a presentation on the financial implications of a proposed 100% increase in the city's fire assessment fee, alongside Hernando County's approved annual increase of 5.75%. The projected financial model indicated that by the year 2030, the BFD could see its budget grow from $3 million to approximately $4.2 million, driven by both the fee increases and anticipated future development in Brooksville.

Council members emphasized the importance of maintaining a locally focused fire department, which is dedicated solely to the city. They highlighted that local staff possess a better understanding of the community's unique geography and infrastructure, which is crucial for effective emergency response. Concerns were raised about the potential delays in response times that could arise from consolidating services with county-wide operations.

The meeting also explored various funding opportunities, including grants aimed at enhancing fire services. Examples from neighboring jurisdictions were cited, such as Port Richey Fire Department's successful acquisition of an $800,000 grant for a new fire engine and Pasco County Fire's $3.4 million grant for a new fire station. The BFD aims to prioritize the replacement of aging apparatus, improve recruitment and retention efforts, and implement advanced life support (ALS) non-transport services.

A significant part of the discussion centered on the financial viability of ALS transport services. The BFD's current EMS billing revenue stands at approximately $2.9 million, with a collection rate of 71%. However, projections indicated that this revenue could be lower than anticipated, prompting the need for a careful assessment of future funding strategies.

The council reviewed a proposed timeline for expanding fire services, which includes the potential addition of new fire stations to improve response times. Currently, the BFD operates with an ISO class rating of 3, which is considered good, but improvements in response times could further enhance this rating and potentially lower insurance costs for residents.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the BFD's commitment to enhancing local fire services through strategic funding and operational improvements. The council plans to continue exploring grant opportunities and assessing the feasibility of expanding fire station coverage to better serve the Brooksville community.