Savannah planning fire fee to cover rising costs (Montgomery: hotels, schools)

[Airforceguy]

Single-family homeowners could pay up to $370, while big box stores could be charged almost $30,000 as part of the city’s plan to charge all Savannah properties — including those that are tax-exempt — a fee for fire service.



Staff is proposing the fire fee be considered during upcoming 2018 budget deliberations as a more equitable way to fund the city fire department.

“We are trying to spread out the cost burden so not all of it rests on the shoulders of businesses and homeowners who pay property taxes,” said City Manager Rob Hernandez.

Under the proposed plan, the fee would apply to taxed and tax-exempt properties owned by schools, churches and nonprofits, as well as government properties owned by the city and Chatham County.

Savannah planning fire fee to cover rising costs | SavannahNow

[SavannahLife]

tax schools, churches, nonprofits, sounds as smart as the Republican tax plan.

[CampingMom]

I already pay it as I am outside the city limits. I am very happy with my Montgomery Fire Department. This place rocks from what I have seen! I came from a place where it was ALL volunteer and it was IMPOSSIBLE to get new people involved. I give kudos to those that go into the flames, to accidents and see life more than I want to.

[SavannahLife]

Everyone loves firefighters. I hope. The police and fire depts probably need even more funding. Question is, why is the city out of money, and laying paying off, raising taxes, etc while taking out bonds so hotels can build parking garages. Seems there could be better sources than taxing charities, and cutting cultural programs that are cheap and high impact.

[counterclockwise]

I wonder if the fee will include the Savannah Industrial and Domestic Water treatment plant? Could cause water rates to increase.

[GA Survivor]

The treatment plant is owned by the city and they wont pay the fee to themselves. They will have to be another reason to raise those costs.

[bellhead]

Originally Posted by SavannahLife

Everyone loves firefighters. I hope. The police and fire depts probably need even more funding. Question is, why is the city out of money, and laying paying off, raising taxes, etc while taking out bonds so hotels can build parking garages. Seems there could be better sources than taxing charities, and cutting cultural programs that are cheap and high impact.

I don't like the new fire tax at all, but I can see the common sense approach to this. Any non-profit entity in the city doesn't pay for any of the service the city provides. By having them chip in really doesn't bother me.

I will say this if my property taxes hit 7k I'm out of here.