The fire rescue service assessment was a topic of discussion and public interest. Several residents voiced their concerns during the public comment period. Anita Baker questioned the county’s expenditure related to assessment fees and the decision-making process of the board on previous issues. Lloyd Donley acknowledged the need for a fire station but expressed worries about the financial strain on residents. Dr. Paul Steel recommended postponing the fire assessment and suggested a cap on the assessment amount. Tom Tat highlighted the potential effect of the fire assessment on property taxes and the implications for economically disadvantaged individuals.

Speakers proposed various methodologies for the fire assessment, including evaluating the value of buildings, redirecting garbage fees to fund fire services, billing insurance companies, and seeking compensation from timber companies for fire-related costs. Consultants provided information on the process for determining the fire assessments, explaining that residential properties would be charged based on dwelling units, non-residential properties by square footage, and vacant parcels with a flat charge per parcel. Jeff Rackley, a consultant, noted alternative methodologies, such as one based on structure value and hazard classes.

Council members debated whether dilapidated structures should be counted as separate dwellings for assessment purposes and what should be exempt, especially concerning barns and hay barns. The need for clear information and hardship programs for property owners unable to pay the assessment was discussed, with a focus on establishing clear guidelines for exemptions and assistance for low-income individuals.

The potential foreclosure of properties due to non-payment of the assessment was a concern. The council considered payment plans and the timeline for the assessment process, emphasizing that the initial adoption of procedures would not determine the final rates or exemptions.

Additionally, the council discussed setting the millage rate for the fiscal year 2425, with suggestions ranging from maintaining the current rate of 10 mills to decreasing it to various lower rates. Ultimately, the decision was made to keep the millage rate at 10 mills until other revenue streams were established. This decision was said to be influenced by the necessity to avoid impacting the timetable for mailing out trim notices to taxpayers.

Funding requests from various community organizations were reviewed, with the staff recommending funding at the same levels as the previous fiscal year, plus three new requests. The council agreed to fund everything at the prior year’s levels except for the original Florida tourist task force, which would receive less funding, and to grant the requests for Bradford tornado Pop Warner and the two other agencies at the proposed levels.

In other discussions, the council acknowledged a public safety issue raised by Marie Gaskin concerning frequent accidents at a specific intersection, prompting a request for the installation of a four-way stop and speed bumps. Paul Still, from the Bradford Soil and Water Conservation District, offered $2,000 to assist in removing aquatic plants obstructing Lake Sampson’s water flow into the Sampson Canal. The council discussed the timely approval of a contract to address the blockage. Bay Strong, a community member, expressed disappointment with the lack of attention to the community of LaCrosse in economic development discussions and suggested possible cost-saving measures in the county’s financial report.

The council also reflected on an economic development workshop aimed at identifying key objectives for the community and the beginning of a strategic plan development process. The county’s digital marketing outreach and the potential expansion of broadband services, with Cox Communications expressing interest in a discussion, were also highlighted.