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Commission Gives Go Ahead To Fire Tax Increase To Staff South-End Stations
June 17, 2016
The Escambia County Commission has given official approval to a $25 fire tax increase to finishing staffing south end fire stations with paid firefighters .
The commission voted 4-1 Thursday night, with Steven Barry against, to add the $25, increasing the fire tax for the average homeowner from $100 to $125 beginning with the next fiscal year.
The proceeds from the extra $25 per year municipal services benefit unit assessment (MSBU) will fund 24/7 paid firefighters at the Myrtle Grove, Innerarity Point and Bellview stations, plus fund $150,000 in volunteer firefighter stipend increases.
The tax is not be final until the county’s budget process for the next fiscal year is complete.
Commissioner Steven Barry voted against supporting the $25 MSBU increase because no District 5 station will receive additional benefits.
Last year, Escambia County increase the fire MSBU by $15 to fund full-time staff at Ferry Pass and West Pensacola.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Comments
8 Responses to “Commission Gives Go Ahead To Fire Tax Increase To Staff South-End Stations”
Mr. Nall,
What do you mean punish the north end some more to pay for Pensacola? I don’t know what you are thinking but this does not help the city of Pensacola fire departments, only “Escambia County” . My next question would be, do you ever travel down to “Pensacola ” for anything, anything at all? If you got into a horrible wreck or was having a medical condition while down here wouldn’t you want fire personnel to come to your aid instead of a volunteer department that might not have a crew to respond and an EMS unit coming from perdido or who knows where because they are slammed with calls. The tax pays for both paid and volunteers but guaranteed response is more than likely coming from a paid department, and most stations are combination anyways. I’ve got more to say if you want to listen just let me know.
Thank you Steve Berry for trying,Not enough people in North -End to matter. Thats the good thing.We have good ole country folks up here, Our own Paper (N.E. on line some grocery stores Drug stores, Feed StoresWhere I live its 22 miles to Pens. Century, or Atmore. If $ 25.00 year will keep our growth down, I will pay with a smile. Blessings to all from the NORTH—end….
There will be three to four stations that cover the south end of District 5. They are the more populated areas with residential homes and businesses. So there will be quite a few District 5 constituents that are covered and have been covered by career companies
Smart move on the part of BOCC. I too pay taxes I’m glad tosee my money increasing full time fire protection. The volunteers do an amazing job but the training and other requirements have made it safer but harder to continue to volunteer.
GREAT JOB by the comission, this will help the ECFR staff these stations which in turn will save lives!!! KUDO’s
thanks commissioners what the heck it aint your money anyway its just the fools paying taxes and keep electing us we will let them get over this tax and will do it again
Tax and spend, or waste. Thats all the politicians know to do.
i see punish the north end some more to pay for pensacola