Commission sets new fire-assessment rates; residential fee to rise to $250

The High Springs City Commission adopted Resolution 2025-H to adjust the city’s fire-assessment schedule after a new fee study.

A staff summary reviewed the fee categories and balances in the study. Appendix C to the resolution shows proposed rates: a residential assessment of $250 per year (a $27 increase from the prior schedule), commercial at $0.24 per square foot, industrial/warehouse at $0.07 per square foot and institutional at $0.16 per square foot.

Staff explained the study updates the prior fee analysis (the prior study dated February 2008) and establishes allowable minimums and maximums. Commissioners asked about notification and whether annual adjustments would require separate notices; staff said the ordinance can set a range (minimum and maximum) so the commission can adjust within that range without adopting a new ordinance each time, but any increase would still be presented at a public meeting and noticed in property-owner notices.

Chief staff noted station changes and response-area shifts are being tracked, and the city is negotiating service arrangements with Alachua County; those dynamics are being considered in projections. The resolution passed by roll call vote.

Next steps: Staff will implement the assessment schedule and publish required notices ahead of the assessment roll and any increases in accordance with state and local notice rules.