Newberry Sets Higher Fire Assessment Rates

NEWBERRY ‒ The Newberry City Commission voted unanimously on July 14, 2025, to set the city’s preliminary fire assessment rate at the maximum level permitted under state law, locking in flexibility for final budget decisions later this year.

The decision establishes a preliminary rate of $412 annually per residential property, based on updated cost calculations from Anser Advisory, a firm recently contracted to reassess the fair distribution of fire service costs among property types.

Assistant City Manager and Chief Financial Officer Dallas Lee introduced the resolution and explained the purpose behind adopting the highest allowable rate at this stage.

“A special assessment for fire services can only be used to fund personnel costs, capital improvements, equipment and other costs related to responding to fire/non-medical emergencies; and maintaining readiness to respond to fire/non-medical emergencies through staffing, training, procuring and maintaining facilities and equipment,” Lee said.

Under Florida law, the city must formally adopt an initial fire assessment rate each year for inclusion in Truth in Millage (TRIM) notices, which are mailed to all property owners in August. Once set, that rate becomes the ceiling for the fiscal year — the city may adopt a lower rate later during final budget hearings, but it cannot raise it without sending out new notifications and restarting the process.

Study Drives Rate Shift Toward Commercial Users

Anser Advisory’s fire assessment study, conducted as part of a best-practice review done every 5–7 years, evaluated current call volumes, service demands, and cost allocation based on property use. The study showed that commercial and industrial users generate a larger share of calls and require longer response times.

As a result, a greater proportion of the overall assessment burden is now being proposed against those user classes, while the residential rate—though increased—remains within the limits justified by the study’s findings.

Planning for Growth, Staffing, and a Second Station

Lee also emphasized that the City of Newberry is proactively responding to anticipated growth and legislative changes impacting fire service operations. Proposed increases to fire staffing levels are being encouraged by state regulations aimed at improving public safety and response readiness.

Additionally, the city is beginning to build reserves for a future second fire station, which would help serve a growing population and reduce response times in outlying areas.

“Staff proposes raises, higher staffing levels, and future capital investments,” said Lee. “This preliminary rate gives the city the financial capacity to meet those needs while retaining the option to reduce the rate before final adoption.”

By setting the rate at the maximum allowable under Anser’s formula, commissioners ensured they would not be constrained later in the year if unexpected expenses arise or if fire service enhancements are approved during budget planning.

Next Steps in the Budget Process

The fire assessment rate will appear in August TRIM notices mailed to all property owners within city limits. Final adoption of the fire assessment, along with the full city budget and millage rate, is expected to take place in September, following public hearings.

The next Newberry City Commission meeting is scheduled for July 28 at 7 p.m.

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