Winter Garden not to move forward with fire assessment hearing

Jon C. Williams, the city manager of Winter Garden, is recommending the City Commission not move forward with the public hearing Thursday, Aug. 14 to impose a fire assessment.

Williams wrote in a public notice to residents and business owners that further review of the proposed fiscal year 2025-26 operating budget led to the city identifying nearly $4 million in reductions to proposed operating and capital expenses. 

As a result, he is recommending the commission no longer move forward with a public hearing regarding the assessment, but there still is a need to address an operational deficit.

"City staff will continue to evaluate the budget to ensure operational efficiency and fiscal responsibility, any additional funding needs will be considered when determining the final tax millage rate," Williams wrote in the public notice. 

The city was required to meet statutory deadlines in order to consider imposing a Fire Protection and Rescue Assessment.

The initial assessment resolution included the maximum assessment. Williams said the city's intention never was to impose the assessment at the maximum rate. 

The city's goal always had been to reduce proposed operating expenditures to lower or potentially eliminate the need for the assessment.