Lake Wales proposes higher fire assessment for single-family homes; commissioners expect phone inquiries

City of Lake Wales finance staff on Tuesday presented a preliminary fire protection services assessment and recommended increasing the single-family residential assessment by $28, from $146 to $174.

Finance Director Dorothy Abbott said the analysis showed that a single-family assessment that would fully cover fire service costs would be $387, but staff is recommending a lower amount — $174 — because other city revenue sources will contribute to the department’s budget. Abbott said the city has not raised the assessment in about 10 years.

Abbott told the commission the assessment must be “reasonable” and that an outside consultant examined the types of calls, time spent on scene and structure types; that work was the basis for a reduction in the multifamily category and a small increase for mobile homes. Abbott said she expected residents and commercial property owners to call with questions once notice is mailed and when the final resolution is published in August.

Commissioners asked how assessment proceeds are collected and how the money is used. The city manager and Abbott confirmed the assessment is collected through the property appraiser and tax collector and that the assessment revenue pays for Lake Wales Fire Department operating costs. Abbott said staff will take phone calls and work through inquiries as notices go out.

The presentation on the preliminary assessment was framed as the standard annual step: adopt a preliminary resolution, publish notice, and return with a final resolution later in the summer.