MAY 24 UPDATE: The Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt an updated fire assessment methodology and set the maximum-rates for Fiscal Year 2024 at 15% during a public hearing at the May 24 Board of County Commissioners meeting. The maximum rates will be reflected in the Truth in Millage (TRIM) notices in August. Additional information on the methodology and maximum rates can be found below. 

 ORIGINAL POST, May 23:
SARASOTA COUNTY - Sarasota County Fire Department is committed to providing high quality public safety through the delivery of fire protection to the community and its visitors. To provide these services, the county uses a non-ad valorem assessment for fire to fund this vital public safety service more than 20 years. 

A public hearing to adopt an updated methodology and set the maximum-rates for Fiscal Year 2024 will be held at the May 24, Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners meeting.

The adoption of the maximum rates would include a 15% increase to provide for increased costs for providing services, equipment, personnel, and maintaining financial reserves for disaster.  This increase equates to less than:

• $2.42 monthly increase for the average 2,500 square-foot home.
• $2.50 monthly increase for the average 1,600 square-foot multi-family home.
• $24.50 per month for the average 10,000 square-foot commercial business.

The department is not recommending any increases in the EMS ad valorem that provides for the emergency medical services provided by the county.

If approved, the proposed maximum rates will be included in the Truth in Millage (TRIM) notices that will be sent to all residents in August.  Final adoption of assessment rates will be completed on September 11, 2023 at a public hearing.  All information regarding that meeting will be included in the TRIM notice.

Fire assessment rates are cost-effective and financially stable means of funding fire services. This is because fire assessment rates are based on square footage and demand instead of home value. They are a benefit-based method that requires annual approval from the Sarasota Board of County Commission and provides a dedicated funding source for fire protection.

Fire services includes:

• Fire suppression.
• Hazardous materials response.
• Fire prevention.
• Emergency response and disaster preparedness.
• Fire safety education.

The proposed 15% increase to current fire assessment rates was initially presented to the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners on May 9.

Sarasota County Emergency Services staff have conducted several meetings with various chamber of commerce organizations, businesses, and the community to provide information on the assessment program.  Staff will continue to offer educational opportunities and provide information as TRIM notices go out in August.

To learn more about Sarasota County fire assessment rates, watch the below video or visit scgov.net/firefees.