“The Golden Gate Fire District attempts to cover 103 square miles out of four stations and if I have to cut that in half our response times are just going to be unacceptably long. And in this business this is all about response times,” said Metzger.
Metzger said the fire districts used to get funds from impact fees from new development but that source has dried up. He added there are bills in the legislature that would let voters allow independent fire districts to consolidate – therefore making them more efficient. Metzger said even if those bills become law the process would take a couple of years to implement and the fire districts need the money immediately.
All three districts are currently taxing at the maximum rate allowed.
Wednesday, 25 January 2012 14:45
Three Collier Fire Districts Ask Voters for Help on Election Day
Written by Amy Tardif-
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On Election Day some Collier County voters will do more than help choose a GOP Presidential Nominee. Golden Gate, East Naples and Immokalee Fire Districts in Collier County all say they need more money to keep up emergency services. Falling property values have created a funding crisis.
So they’re asking voters to approve referenda to increase their maximum tax rate. All reduced staff and closed fire stations. If voters approve, the fire districts would be able to increase the tax rate. Golden Gate Fire Chief Robert Metzger said property values fell there by more than 50 percent over the last few years. He said he expects to have to make more cuts – including closing two stations if the referendum doesn’t pass. READ MORE
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