Citrus County Fire Protection Special District opens preliminary budget hearing, schedules follow-up for general fund

The Citrus County Fire Protection Special District convened a preliminary budget hearing in July 2026 (transcript does not specify the exact calendar date). The clerk called roll and read the attendees: chair Diana Fennegan; 1st vice chair Jana Barrick; 2nd vice chair Jeff Kennard; commissioners Rebecca Bays and Holly Davis; County Administrator Steve Howard; and interim management and budget director Barbara Luckum.

Board members discussed that the special taxing district includes the City of Inverness and that staff recommended continuing not to levy a millage. The chair opened public comment; no members of the public spoke and public comment was closed.

At the close of the hearing Commissioner Jana Barrick said, "Please come back at 09:00 for the preliminary budget hearing for the general fund and the rest of the budget." The board then adjourned the fire preliminary hearing and scheduled the next session to consider the general fund and remaining budget items.