Fire Fee Approved; Two No Votes; Fees Are General Revenues, Not for the Fire Department

Messrs. Kerdyk and Cabrera voted against the $50 fee that will raise about $1.5 million for the city budget. Based on questions raised by Mr. Kerdyk and Cabrera, and the city manager’s response, it is quite clear that the fees are additional taxes and funds that will be included in the budget without regard to their final use.

Earlier comments of the Mayor that property taxes will be reduced by the amount of the fire fees has not happened. In practice that will depend on this evening’s vote on the millage rate.

Clearly, the intention is that the fire fee will be raised annually (with a majority vote) to supplement property taxes increases (approved with a super majority of 4 votes) and other revenues.