People living within the West Manatee Fire Rescue district might pay more for fire service next year.
WMFR commissioners reached consensus April 19 to direct staff to draft a resolution that would increase fire assessment tax rates by 4% for the fiscal year 2022-23, which will begin Oct. 1.
Chief Ben Rigney recommended the hike to cover projected rising costs over the next couple of years.
The increase would raise the district revenue to $315,248.80 more than the existing collect collection.
The district’s existing rate includes a $203.35 residential base fee and a $0.1199 charge for square footage, as well as a $505.38 commercial base rate with a $0.2188 charge for square footage.
With the current rates, WMFR charges residential property owners $323.28 for a 2,000-square-foot home and $443.22 for a 3,000-square-foot home.
Commercial property owners pay $724.23 for a 2,000-square-foot building and $943.08 for a 3,000-square-foot building.
The proposed rates would include a $211.48 residential base fee and a $0.1247 additional charge for square footage. For commercial properties, there would be a $525.59 base fee with a $0.2276 charge per square foot.
If commissioners approve the proposed rate, property owners would pay $336.22 for a 2,000-square-foot home and $460.95 for a 3,000-square-foot home.
Commercial property owners would pay $753.19 for a 2,000-square-foot building and $980.80 for a 3,000-square-foot building.
The maximum rate increase the district could adopt is a 6.78% hike, which would raise $219,097.92 more than the proposed rate increase.
Determining tentative changes to fire assessment rates is the first step in planning for next year’s budget.
The commission’s meeting in May will include a public hearing for the tentative assessment rate increase and a public hearing for a tentative budget will be in August.
A finalized budget and assessment rate will go before commissioners to consider for adoption in September.
In the meantime, Rigney presented a rough draft of next year’s $8,628,536 spending plan — a $406,249 increase in expenses over this year.
The plan includes a $226,148.72 payment to pay off the district’s debt for Station No.1, at 407 67th St. W., Bradenton.
The proposed increase in spending also includes $70,000 to purchase a new response/utility vehicle.
The commission’s next meeting will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, at the administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton. The meeting will be open to the public. Directions to attend via Zoom can be found at wmfr.org.