A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to the proposed fire assessment fee, which has been a contentious issue among Sanford residents. The fee, designed to secure sustainable funding for the fire department, involves a two-tiered structure. Tier one is a flat fee applicable to all properties, while tier two is a variable fee based on the value of structures. This proposal aims to equitably distribute the costs of fire services across all property types.

Residents voiced strong concerns during the public comments section, arguing that the fee represents an unnecessary financial burden, especially given the current economic climate. Many questioned the fairness of the assessment, noting that property taxes should already cover essential services like fire protection. Some residents, including Morgan Monroe, criticized the city’s tendency to offer tax incentives to developers, which they believe diminishes long-term revenue potential for public safety funding. Monroe suggested reevaluating the city’s approach to funding through increased impact fees on developers and more strategic planning.

Other residents, such as Jean Krookmire and John Smolsky, expressed dissatisfaction with the city manager’s handling of revenue streams and the perceived mismanagement of funds that led to the need for the new fee. They argued that the city should utilize increased general fund revenue to cover fire expenditures rather than imposing additional costs on residents.

Further fueling the debate, residents like Connor Maguire highlighted increases in property taxes and questioned the necessity of the fire assessment given the city’s financial growth. Maguire pointed out that existing funds should suffice to cover the fire department’s needs, suggesting that the assessment would remain a permanent fixture despite potential future reimbursements from FEMA.

In response to public outcry, several commissioners acknowledged the lack of transparency regarding the fee and emphasized the need for improved communication with residents. They expressed a willingness to reconsider the proposal, recognizing the strong public sentiment against it and the importance of community engagement in decision-making processes.

The discussion around the fire assessment fee was not the only topic of interest at the meeting. Earlier, Senator Jason Broer provided an update on state legislation, highlighting budget allocations and fiscal plans, including a permanent back-to-school sales tax holiday and measures to make Florida debt-free within the next decade. Broer also addressed local initiatives, such as funding for Lake Jessup restoration and a juvenile drug court, as well as public health policies regarding vaccinations.

The meeting also touched upon the adoption of the 2025-2026 millage rate and budget, with Finance Director Cynthia Lindsay presenting a budget that includes a 9.53% increase in both revenues and expenditures. Residents raised concerns about unfunded capital requests and potential costs associated with new firefighter regulations, urging the city to explore local funding options and federal assistance to alleviate financial pressures.

Additionally, the commission discussed the renewal of the Waste Pro contract, facing a proposed 22.19% rate increase. This sparked a conversation about the implications of such an increase on residents and the need for accurate billing information. The commission debated the competitiveness and reliability of Waste Pro, considering whether to extend the contract or seek new bids for waste management services.

In another development, the Goldsboro Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) received attention, with plans to enhance the Goldsboro Boulevard area through arts and entertainment projects. Economic Development Director Brady Lazard emphasized the importance of community involvement in the CRA’s initiatives, which aim to celebrate Goldsboro’s history and drive sustainable growth.