Fla. county considers fire fee after property tax reduction

The Orlando Sentinel

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County leaders moved slowly Tuesday toward considering a fire fee to make up for losses in property taxes.

The county relies on a special property tax to pay for its fire and emergency services, but state lawmakers required that the tax be reduced last year.

And voters this year enacted another round of cuts that could eventually trim firefighting revenues by a combined 13 percent, or $31 million, officials said.

More cuts could be on the way from Tallahassee.

To make up for the losses, county leaders are looking at a new fire fee that could provide another source of revenue.

For now, county officials are studying the option.

If they vote later to proceed, the new fees could take effect in the 2010 budget year.

Other local governments have adopted similar fees already, including in Lake, Polk and Osceola counties, a consultant said.

"It's very prudent we take a look at those options," Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty said.