Tax breaks to Florida homeowners might mean a new fire assessment fee for Gainesville property owners.
Gainesville commissioners voted 5-2 Monday to draft an ordinance that, if passed, would charge property owners a yearly fee to support Gainesville Fire Rescue.
With cuts in property taxes, the city may be unable to fully fund its fire and police services, which make up almost half of Gainesville's budget.
Homeowners, condominiums and apartment complexes would pay a flat $99 per dwelling, while other properties - including non-profits and churches - would be charged between 6 and 17 cents per square foot.
The fee would not be charged to government-owned properties like UF. City officials have unsuccessfully attempted to negotiate a voluntary agreement between the university and the city that would have UF pay an undecided fee.
Commissioner Ed Braddy, who voted against the motion, said he wanted UF to be included in the ordinance, because it would net the city almost $3 million a year.
"It strikes me as odd we're going to do all this and still not capture the biggest chunk of the pie," Braddy said.
Others were concerned that the fee would impose a greater cost on low-income citizens.
The fee would possibly be coupled with a decrease in the millage rate, meaning that while lower-taxed properties would be charged more, some higher-taxed properties would actually see savings.
"Every bit, when you have someone who's working for a living to keep their nose above the water, adds up," said Commissioner Rick Bryant, who also voted against the motion.
While commissioners who voted for the measure expressed hesitation as well, it was outweighed by their desire to explore all options in the face of budget cuts.
"I think it would be wise for us to not give up our options at this point," Commissioner Craig Lowe said. "We can pull out later if we choose."
