Sanibel fire commissioners OK tentative millage rate
The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District’s commission recently set the not-to-exceed millage rate for the next year, as well as reviewed the district’s annual audit and raised the stipend for commissioners.
At the monthly meeting on July 21, the commissioners voted unanimously 3-0 to adopt a tentative millage rate for fiscal year 2021-22 of 1.3089 mills, which would exceed the rolled back rate of 1.072 mills. The not-to-exceed rate would result in a 22.02 percent tax increase to the district’s residents.
The millage rate can be lowered but not raised during the budget process.
The first budget hearing will take place on Sept. 9 at 5:01 p.m., with the second and final hearing scheduled for Sept. 15 at 5:01 p.m. Both will be held at Station 171, at 2351 Palm Ridge Road.
Prior to discussion and the vote, Fire Chief William “Bill” Briscoe explained that the proposed rate would provide the additional needed revenue to cover new expenses expected in the coming year.
He reported that it would provide $150,000 for a new state-mandated performance audit, $60,000 for the implementation of a security system at the station and $20,000 for upgrades to the district’s cylinder tank system — breathing air equipment for staff. It would also provide a 5.59 percent payroll increase.
Briscoe added that any remaining unallocated funds from the tax increase would go into reserves, which the commissioners could use to improve the district’s services and performance for residents.
Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Barbot noted that even with the proposed tax increase, it would still be the lowest cost for fire service in the area. Using the not-to-exceed rate, a home valued at $600,000 would experience a $120 increase on its tax bill and a home valued at $700,000 would see a $140 increase.
“And what the citizens of Sanibel get, it’s amazing,” he said in terms of service.
Commissioner Jerry Muench shared that he would like to see the district start planning ahead and budgeting for a future third station on the east end, or an additional truck or engine for that area. He added that the proposed millage, though, would enable the district to start preparing for the future.
“This is for the public, this is for their safety and wellbeing,” he said.
“I’d say this is a pretty good deal,” Muench added of the not-to-exceed millage.
A motion to approve the proposed rate passed.
ANNUAL AUDIT
Also during the meeting, the auditing firm Grau & Associates presented the commission with an overview of its final report on the district’s annual financial statements for fiscal year 2019-20.
Representative Racquel McIntosh reported that the audit was finished on time.
“I’m happy to report we had an unmodified or clean opinion,” she said.
McIntosh continued that the balance sheet showed a fund balance of about $4.4 million, which the general fund made up about $4.3 million. For special revenue, impact fees were about $93,261, which can be used for capital projects. The district had a positive $785,370 net change in its fund balance.
The district budgeted about $6.1 million for the year, but it underspent at about $5.1 million.
She reported that the firm found no internal weaknesses or lack of controls, so it had no findings. In addition, it had no current findings or recommendations for the district — the same as in previous years.
“Sounds like we had a good report,” Muench said.
STIPEND FOR COMMISSIONERS
Also at the meeting, the commission followed up with staff on a requested analysis of pay for fire commissioners in the local area. Barbot provided a comparison of similar districts between Sarasota and Collier counties. He noted that Florida statute permits a maximum stipend of $500 per month.
“We are in the minority,” Barbot said, explaining that the island’s fire commissioners receive $450 annually, while many of the other districts analyzed pay their commissioners the $500 monthly.
Commissioner Bruce Cochrane, who initiated the review, shared his thoughts.
“I’d like to bring us where the rest of Lee County, the community, stands to some extent,” he said. “We have a lot of responsibilities. We put the time in. I think we should get more than the $450 per year.”
Cochrane added that the state allowed $500 maximum, however, is too much.
Commissioner Richard McCurry voiced support for an increase, but also not to $500 monthly.
Muench, who opposed an increase in commission pay when it was discussed in 2019, reiterated his stance. He explained that it is a volunteer job, though he noted that there is a lot of responsibility.
Staff confirmed that any proposed increase would require an unanimous vote.
Barbot noted that an increase to $300 per month would impact the district’s budget by less than 1 percent, and that the district will need them a lot in the next few years as it plans for the future.
“I have to be honest,” Briscoe added of a stipend increase. “I don’t think it’s a bad choice.”
Asked by his fellow commissioners for an amount, Cochrane suggested between $200 and $300 monthly. After further discussion, he made a motion to raise their stipend to $250 per month.
It passed 3-0, with the increase to go into effect on Oct. 1 with the new year.
IN OTHER NEWS
– Division Chief of Prevention Larry Williams confirmed that a lightning strike was found to be the cause of the July 7 fire at the Pointe Santo De Sanibel condominiums, at 2445 West Gulf Drive.
Staff also reported to the commission that the responding fire crews had some difficulty getting occupants to vacant the building and site, and that the Sanibel police had to be called on to assist.
“When we ask you to vacate a building, it’s for a good reason,” Muench reminded the public.
– The commission voted 3-0 to approve a new fire plans review and inspections fee schedule.
– The following personnel were recognized for their years of service: engineer-paramedic Michael Martin for 14 years.
– The district responded to 168 calls in June, compared to 107 calls for the same month last year. For the year-to-date, the district has responded to 1,024 calls this year, compared to 845 calls in 2020.
“A good number of those calls were high priority calls,” Barbot said of the monthly total, adding that four or five of them involved LeeFlight airlifting the patient off island. “It’s been a busy summer.”
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email