County Approves Increased Taxes for Fire and Rescue Services Following Emergency Worker Warning

Emergency Responder's Warning Leads to Higher Tax Rate for Fire Rescue Services

A warning from a veteran emergency responder has led the Volusia County Council to approve a higher tax rate to support the county’s Fire Rescue services. The decision, however, was not without controversy, as some council members expressed concerns about the financial implications and the need for additional funding.

The council ultimately decided to maintain the current countywide tax rate for the upcoming budget year and avoid implementing a “rollback rate.” A rollback rate is a calculation that ensures local governments collect the same amount of property tax revenue as the previous year, adjusted only for new construction growth. This approach typically results in lower taxes for residents but can also lead to reduced funding for essential services.

A Call for Increased Funding

Volusia County Fire Rescue Lt. Paramedic Jeremy Karaginis, who is also president of the Volusia County Professional Firefighters Association 3574, raised concerns about the county’s ability to meet ambulance response time standards. In an email sent to council members and County Manager George Recktenwald on July 18, he emphasized that Fire Rescue continues to fill gaps left by other emergency services.

Karaginis urged the council to support a flat millage rate of 3.8412 for the Fire Rescue District fund. He argued that this rate would ensure adequate funding for the department, which represents around 200 employees. Despite his efforts, there was some confusion among council members regarding the financial impact of the proposed rate.

County Manager Recktenwald suggested that the division would still be fully funded under the rollback rate and mentioned that the county has a capital plan in place to replace several fire stations. However, not all council members agreed with this assessment.

A Close Vote and Last-Minute Adjustments

During a meeting on July 22, the council approved tentative tax rates. The final budget and tax rates will be determined at two hearings in September, with the possibility of lowering property tax rates before they are finalized. Taxpayers will receive a Notice of Proposed Property Taxes in August.

The initial vote on the Fire Rescue District millage rate ended in a 3-3 tie, which meant the motion failed. District 4 Councilman Troy Kent, Chairman Jeff Brower, and District 1 Councilman Don Dempsey voted against the move. At-Large Representative Jake Johansson was absent, preventing a tiebreaker.

Kent later switched his vote to avoid holding a special meeting, which would have delayed the process. He was concerned that the decision to set the tentative Fire Rescue District rate might default to the county manager, a role traditionally held by the council. Kent stated that he still supports the rollback rate but wanted to take the pressure off the county manager.

Final Tax Rates Approved

In the end, the council approved a higher flat millage rate for the Fire Rescue District in a 4-2 vote, with Brower and Dempsey dissenting. The other rates were unanimously approved as presented.

Here is a breakdown of the tentative property tax rates:

• General Fund: 3.2007 mills (flat)
• Law Enforcement: 1.5994 mills (flat)
• Library Fund: 0.3697 mills (rollback)
• Volusia Echo: 0.2 mills (flat)
• Volusia Forever: 0.2 mills (flat)
• East Volusia Mosquito Control: 0.1573 mills (rollback)
• Ponce de Leon Port Authority: 0.0660 mills (rollback)
• Municipal Service District: 1.6956 mills (flat)
• Silver Sands-Bethune Beach MSD: 0.0099 mills (rollback)
• Fire Rescue District: 3.8412 mills (flat)

Financial Challenges Ahead

This year, the county is facing increased expenses and revenue shortfalls. The Law Enforcement Fund, which supports the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, is seeing the largest net operating budget increase by dollar amount at over $15.2 million, excluding reserves.

The total recommended operating budget for the next fiscal year, which begins October 1, is over $1.41 billion. This represents an increase of $97 million compared to the current fiscal year. The non-operating budget, primarily funded through transfers from the operating budget, is over $331.4 million.

Despite these challenges, the council remains focused on balancing the needs of the community with the financial responsibilities of the county. The final decisions on tax rates will be made in September, with the potential for adjustments before they are finalized.