Fee for fire assessment endorsed to help increase pay for Brevard firefighters

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – To allow for better pay for firefighters, commissioners have voted to implement a 37% fire assessment fee for property owners in unincorporated Brevard County.

The 5-0 vote came Tuesday night during a meeting.

The push for increased funding has been a topic of discussion since last summer, as Brevard County Fire Rescue has sought to offer more competitive pay to its firefighters.

Currently, starting salaries can be as low as $15 an hour, prompting concerns about recruitment and retention in a field that is vital to community safety.

While some residents expressed their dissatisfaction during public comments, voicing concerns about yet another fee imposed on homeowners, Commissioner Thad Altman defended the measure. He emphasized that the fee is necessary to ensure the safety and effectiveness of fire services in the county.

“We are in a very serious life-safety crisis at this point,” Altman said in the meeting. ”I think this is the most critical life-safety issue I’ve ever seen.”

Financial estimates indicate the 37% increase will raise $14.3 million annually, as well as that the increase will take effect starting in the new fiscal year on Oct. 1.