What's that fire assessment listed on my City of Ocala tax readout?

The Ocala City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved the fire assessment resolution for fiscal year 2023-24, which begins Oct. 1. Revenue from the assessment will be used to fund fire operations for the city. It is imposed on all assessed properties within the city limits.

Below are some questions and answers about the assessment as provided by city officials:

Why this assessment?

The city at one time charged a fire user fee, which was listed on utility bills. The legality of that fee was challenged in court, and after years of legal back and forth, the city lost. The court ordered the city to pay customers who had been charged the fee close to $80 million.

The new assessment was implemented in 2021. City officials said the cash is needed to supplement the ad valorem property tax revenue that's used to fund the rest of fire rescue's budget.

How did the city figure out the rates?

According to the city, Benesch Inc., a consultant company, and Susan Schoettle-Gumm, PLLC, were tapped "to prepare a fire assessment update study." They determined the "benefit received from the availability of the Fire Department on a 24-hour, 7 days a week basis," and the "benefit received from the actual response to events," city officials said.

The study listed a proposed assessment for all properties — residential, non-residential and vacant. Residential and non-residential properties' amounts are based on square footage, while vacant lots are assigned a flat rate.

According to a chart from the city, the owner of a single-family residence, mobile home or duplex measuring up to 1,000 square feet would pay $276.33. That increases to $313.20 for a dwelling measuring 1,001 to 1,600 square feet. The amount goes up as the size of a structure increases.

No increase: Ocala fire assessment rates won't go up. City Council's 3-2 vote pleases meeting attendees

How much money will the assessment bring in?

City officials expect to collect $18 million for the upcoming fiscal year. The proposed budget for fire rescue is about $25.7 million.

Where did the city get the property information when determining my assessment?

From the Marion County Property Appraiser's Office.

When does the assessment become effective?

Immediately when the resolution was passed and adopted.

Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com or @almillerosb

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Ocala City Council unanimously approves fire assessment schedule for 2023-24