title
FIRE SERVICES SPECIAL ASSESSMENT (B)
recommendation
The City Commission: 1) establish an Initial Rate for the Fire Services Special Assessment; 2) set July 16 and July 23 as the date for a public hearing on a Final Rate Resolution; and 3) adopt the proposed resolution.
explanation
On May 12, 2008, the City Commission approved on first reading Ordinance 070623 which establishes the authority to implement a Fire Services Special Assessment if the Commission chooses to do so. Second reading of the Ordinance is scheduled for this meeting on June 9, 2008.
Also at the meeting of May 12, 2008, the Commission authorized the drafting of an Initial Rate Resolution, which if adopted, would establish Initial Rates for the Fire Services Special Assessment and provide for notice to affected property owners of the proposed rates. The Initial Rate Resolution also provides for notice of a public hearing on a Final Rate Resolution to be held on a date established by the Commission. (See for example page 12, line 22 of the Resolution.)
In adopting the Initial Rate Resolution the Commission will have to determine the Initial Rate to be sent in the notice to affected property owners. (See for example page 32 of the Resolution.) The Initial Rate can be anywhere from 100% or less. It must be noted, however, that while the Initial Rate can change at the final hearing, it cannot be increased, but can only be adjusted downward. In other words, if the Commission establishes the Initial Rate at 75% and notices that as the Initial Rate, at the Final Hearing the 75% Assessment can decrease, but it cannot go above the 75% rate.