SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. – In a 3-2 vote the Sumter County Commissioners rejected the fire assessment fee increase.

What You Need To Know

  • After hours of public comment, the county commissioners rejected the proposed increase in a 3-2 vote

  • The majority of those who gave public comment were against the increase, saying it makes the area unaffordable, as well as hurts small businesses

  • There will be another public hearing on the 2023-24 budget where commissioners are expected to consider a $1 increase in fire assessment fees on Sept. 19

The topic sparked a lengthy discussion between the county commissioners and residents who showed up for public comment.

It was a packed house Tuesday night at the Sumter County Commission Meeting.

Many residents lined up to talk about the proposed fire assessment fee increase.

The majority of those who gave public comment were against the increase, saying it makes the area unaffordable, as well as hurts small businesses.

Sumter County Fire Chief Rob Hanson said that rejecting the proposed fee will cost about a $12 million shortfall.

After hours of public comment, the county commissioners rejected the proposed increase in a 3-2 vote.

There will be another public hearing on the 2023-24 budget where commissioners are expected to consider a $1 increase in fire assessment fees on Sept. 19.