Fire fees may go up, but property tax may come down as Escambia tries to level fire budget

Right after getting out a income tax increase is off the table until 2024, Escambia County commissioners may possibly consider a “tax swap” to shell out for a essential increase in the county fireplace department’s spending budget.

Fee Chairman Jeff Bergosh proposed the concept Thursday early morning through a “Committee of the Whole” assembly.

Escambia County Fire Rescue needs about $6 million in elevated funding to fulfill its finances requires for the coming calendar year.

County team explained to the commission to elevate the comprehensive $6 million, the hearth charge for residential assets house owners would need to have to be lifted from $125 to $175.

Increasing assets values and the purple hot real estate industry suggests that the county is projecting to get in about $19 million extra in property tax income devoid of modifying its tax rate.

No revenue tax boost: A feasible sales tax enhance to fund Escambia fireplace providers is off the table. For now.

Fire desires funding: Escambia hearth products and services have a price range shortfall. That might signify larger taxes for us all.

Since of increasing assets values, Bergosh’s proposed “tax swap” would signify that home proprietors would pay a reduce assets tax level but a larger fire tax rate with the close end result remaining paying around the exact volume as they if not would have had the county taken no action.

The rate Bergosh proposed increasing the fireplace price by about $40, but offsetting the maximize by cutting the advert valorem assets tax so that the county normally takes in about $6 million much less from home taxes.

Bergosh stated the proposal would be a flat “tax rate” on assets house owners whilst escalating the fire department’s finances revenue.

“Let’s face it, in this economic climate established by Washington, D.C., we will need all the income we can get,” Bergosh said.

Alternatively, fairly than increasing any fire tax expenses, Bergosh claimed the county could find the revenue by doing away with 125 entire-time positions at the county. The county at this time has about 400 open up positions.

Bergosh said eliminating 125 positions would preserve the county about $7 million.

Tale continues

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County Administrator Wes Moreno explained county department heads are by now examining their budgets to see which of the vacant positions are not essential, and he expects cuts to be produced.

Bergosh reported he nonetheless supports in the end funding the hearth department from a income tax levy fairly than the existing technique, but that possibility is off the desk till 2024.

Commissioner Lumon May perhaps said he nervous about rolling again the residence tax level mainly because he’s nervous the fee would not carry it back again to the present-day amount after a long-phrase answer is in spot.

“It’s effortless to roll again, but you in all probability will in no way have the votes to enhance the millage,” May well explained.

Bergosh mentioned he pledged that he would assist shifting the price back again if voters approve the sales tax in 2024.

Commissioner Doug Underhill claimed he was supportive of finding funding for the fireplace division, and voiced aid for getting rid of 200 positions to fund the demands.

Commissioner Steven Barry mentioned the commission can obtain a resolution to fund the fire section at its typical conference up coming week.

“Put this on the agenda following 7 days, we’ll fix the problem,” Barry reported.

Jim Very little can be achieved at [email protected] and 850-208-9827.

This report at first appeared on Pensacola Information Journal: Escambia County may reduce assets and elevate hearth support costs