St. Lucie County Fire District Approves 08/09 Budget

Fire District General Operating Budget cut by $14 million

St. Lucie County – On Wednesday, September 17, the St. Lucie County Fire District Board held their second public hearing for fiscal year 2008-2009, setting their millage at 2.2 percent. 

The Fire District is a separate governmental entity from the City of Port St. Lucie, and its tax rate is set separately from city taxes.  However, taxes assessed by the Fire District are included on the annual property tax bills, which include city taxes, taxes levied by St. Lucie County, the St. Lucie County School Board, the South Florida Water Management District and other governmental bodies.

The Fire District’s General Operating Budget for the upcoming year was set at $63.8 million, down from $78.2 million for this year.  The Fire District’s Ad Valorem Taxes are expected to be $8.6 million less than this year.  The final total Fire District budget is $123,618,218.      

“The Fire District continues to move forward and make progress despite these hard economic times,” explained Fire Board Chairman Christopher Cooper.  “We will maintain a high level of service for the residents of this county.” 

During the regular Fire Board meeting, Fire Chief Ron Parrish commented on the challenge during this tough economy, assuring the Board that the Fire District will not compromise the safety of the citizens or emergency responders.  

The new fiscal year starts October 1.   

For more information, contact:
Catherine Whitaker Chaney
Public Information Officer
St. Lucie County Fire District
(772) 621-3333
cwhitaker@slcfd.org