The Professional Fire Fighters of Marion County (PFFMC) proudly support the Marion County Commission’s push to reinstate Fire Impact fees. The fees would be assessed on the construction of new communities and buildings, both residential and commercial, in unincorporated Marion County. They would generate revenue for new infrastructure development to accommodate new growth and assist with the new stations that Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) is forecasting for future growth.
The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) suspended fire impact fees in 2010 to help Marion County citizens with their tax burden during a tough economic recovery and to spur economic growth through development. With the recent and unexpected economic and physical growth in Marion County, the PFFMC is pleased to see Chairperson Kathy Bryant and the entire Board of County Commissioners support reinstating the fees to help Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) and other county departments grow in line with the growth of our communities.
“I proudly serve as the Union President of the Professional Fire Fighters of Marion County, Local 3169. I represent over 575 brave firefighters and EMS responders in Marion County, approximately 80% of whom live in the county. We fully support reinstatement of our impact fees at 100%,“ stated President Rolin Boyd
The discussion about impact fees in Marion County comes on the heels of the citizens approving a one-cent sales tax for capital improvement projects for transportation, the sheriff’s office, and fire rescue. Designated as a capital improvement means the money can only be used for one-time expenses, such as buildings and vehicles, and not for ongoing expenditures, including wages.
While the sales tax will help with keeping the annual fire assessment and mileage low, it does not help with the expansion of over 6,400 new residences in Marion County in 2024 alone. With growth still booming in the southern part of the county, requiring developers to pay an impact fee for new construction will help lessen the burden on annual property taxes.
PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS OF MARION COUNTY L3169
