Homeowners in St. Cloud want the city to know they’re not happy with a proposal that could raise their fire fee tax from $36 a year to $186 a year. On Friday evening, about a dozen protesters walked around downtown St. Cloud with signs opposing the proposed tax.
“If I would have known about these disgustingly high utility bills, this fire tax, this additional Osceola County gas tax, I never would have moved here,” said Jacqueline Cruz, St. Cloud resident.
Protestors held signs that read, “The fire fee is not for me.” Many of the protesters said that they cannot afford an increase if it is passed.
“It’s going to be tremendous downfall because I don’t make that much on disability and I struggle month to month making every bill,” said Tawney Radcliff, St. Cloud resident.
We spoke with Councilman Dave Askew who was watching protesters as they walked downtown. He was one of the council members that voted yes on the proposal. Askew said revenue from the fire fee will go to a new fire station. Fire station number 33 is currently located in a trailer. However, he also talked about the city's financial problems.
“The whole challenge we are facing is that previous managers, councils have been slowly beating up our budget and we’re needing money. I mean it’s as simple as that,” said Askew.
The council will make its decision on Sep. 3. The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.