Ocoee to pursue revised fire service assessment methodology; June 16 hearing set

The Ocoee City Commission authorized staff on May 19 to prepare an initial assessment resolution under a demand‑and‑availability methodology for the city’s fire service assessment program and set June 16, 2026 as the initial hearing date.

Assistant City Manager (presenting) told the commission the city’s current fire assessment generates about $4.4 million (about 36% of the assessable portion of the fire budget) and that staff had evaluated alternative methodologies to reduce the burden on single‑family homeowners while shifting more cost to non‑residential properties. Staff recommended the demand‑and‑availability model as the most legally defensible and equitable option; under a sample 40% funding target staff estimated the change would generate roughly $3.5 million in additional assessment revenue and produce a flat per‑household charge the presentation listed as approximately $341.24 per single‑family household under the proposed scenario.

Staff emphasized uncertainty from pending state tax reforms — including proposals to expand the homestead exemption — that could reduce property‑tax revenue and increase pressure on city budgets. The assistant city manager said a fire assessment buys the city time and stability compared with an immediate millage increase.

Commissioners discussed public outreach and notification requirements; staff said the city would mail the required notices to property owners and hold a final adoption hearing in July if the commission proceeds. The motion to authorize staff to update the assessment program using the demand‑and‑availability methodology and to set June 16 as the initial assessment hearing passed unanimously.

The commission’s vote authorized staff to return with a formal initial assessment resolution and the required property‑owner notices; a final adoption vote will follow at a later public hearing.