It’s only been in the last few years that the Glades County Fire and Rescue has been able to staff emergency workers around the clock.  And the paid workforce is small — super small -- with just two people on any given day or night.
  
This small  workforce could grow if the county commission agrees to assess the residents with a non-ad valorem tax. The assesment money would help pay for the additional bodies and possibly equipment needed to beef-up its fire and emergency services protection.  

Government leaders don’t know if that will mean asking residents to come up with a few hundred dollars or much more until a study is done.  

Regardless, the board of commissioners voted recently to put a question on the November ballot  to gauge public opinion on a future assessment.  

The vote is non-binding, meaning a majority no vote will not necessarily scuttle a plan to grow the emergency department. 
 
A previous study on the same idea  came away with a maximum $165 per resident charge. After numerous people spoke against the idea at a county commission meeting county backed off on the plan. 

The board decided recently to not fund a study unless it decides to move forward with a growth plan. 

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