High Springs votes to keep municipal fire department; commissions staff to pursue higher assessment options

The High Springs City Commission voted May 28 to preserve the city’s municipal fire department and directed staff to prepare ordinance options to adjust the annual fire‑assessment fee after an extended public safety budget debate. The motion to keep the department funded carried after commissioners weighed operational, financial and legal tradeoffs.

Fire Chief Joe Peters told the commission the department is operating under strain: “These men and women have stuck through this thing. Eight people are left. I’m working 24‑hour shifts to cover shifts to make sure these residents are taken care of,” he said, urging a decision so the department could hire and plan.

Staff presented three assessment scenarios to reduce the general‑fund draw for fire services: keeping the current $250 assessment; increasing to $335 (the staff recommendation for this year); or renoticing the public and setting a higher statutory maximum of $383. City staff said 335 would meaningfully reduce the general‑fund subsidy and that moving above 335 requires a full re‑notice at an estimated cost of about $6,000.

Commissioners and residents questioned impacts on households and businesses. “If we choose the county option, we lose local control,” Mayor Miller said, pressing that a county takeover could mean higher assessments for some residents and loss of municipal equipment. Commissioners also discussed command‑structure alternatives and staged hiring to rebuild three‑ or four‑person shifts.

Several residents and firefighters urged the commission to retain local services. “We kiss our families goodbye when we walk out the door,” said Officer Patrick Trice, a former reserve officer and teacher who urged continued local funding of both fire and police. Others highlighted insurance and ISO (insurance rating) effects tied to staffing.

The commission approved a motion to continue operating the High Springs Fire Department and asked staff to return with draft language so the board can pick among options (stay at current rate, raise to $335 now, or authorize a renoticed higher maximum such as $360–$383), and to recommend an implementation date tied to the fiscal year and hiring timelines. Staff said any increase would be phased and that hardship provisions would be available where allowed by ordinance.

The vote leaves the department under municipal control for now; the commission directed the manager and staff to produce the draft ordinances and fiscal analyses needed for a final decision later in the budget process.