Ocoee approves doubled fire service fees

With its chambers packed with residents, the Ocoee City Commission unanimously approved, with District 3 Commissioner Richard Firstner absent, an increase to its fire-protection fee during its July 15 meeting. 

The approved increase to the non-ad valorem tax is the first rate change since the current rate of $69.50 per unit was established in 2014, and at $139.23 per unit, the new rate will more than double the cost residents have to pay for the fire-protection services the city provides.

During a presentation about the increased fee, Assistant City Manager Mike Rumer pointed to passed and upcoming state legislation — that would limit the city’s property-tax revenues — as well as the increased costs of providing fire-protection services, as the primary reasons for this proposal. 

For nearly an hour following Rumer’s presentation, Ocoee residents voiced their concerns and discontent about the increased fee.

“I am opposed to the proposed increased special assessment for fire services,” Michael Rodgers said during the public hearing section about the rate increase. “I’d like to clarify that I am not arguing the question of firefighter pay or department funding. I am questioning financial responsibility. Why the special assessment instead of cutting costs elsewhere? … I’m questioning why the burden should fall on homeowners.” 

The commissioners understood the complaints from residents and even sympathized with them during their comments about the proposed increase.

“My belief is the role of municipal government is to provide municipal services and only that — that’s police, fire and utilities, mostly,” District 1 Commissioner Scott Kennedy said. “So when the gentleman from the Vineyards asked, ‘Are you happy?’ No, I’m miserable.”

Kennedy went on to point out that although he doesn’t like the increased fee, these are the consequences of the state Legislature and voters forcing the city’s hand. 

Envision 2045 approved 

In accordance with state law, municipalities must have a comprehensive plan, which is a city’s principles, guidelines and strategies for its overall development. That plan must include at least two planning periods that cover at least the first 10-year period occurring after its adoption and a second that covers at least a 20-year period. Ocoee’s current comprehensive plan was adopted in 2002 and reached its long-term planning horizon of 2022.

That’s where Envision 2045 comes in. It’s the city’s new comprehensive plan, which was unanimously approved at the meeting.

In a presentation of the updated plan, Deputy Development Services Director Anoch Whitfield shared its vision statement: “The city of Ocoee is a vibrant, attractive and economically sustainable community where businesses thrive and neighborhoods flourish through diverse, compact and complementary land uses that produce quality development and safe, connected mobility systems through adequate movement of people and goods, while simultaneously preserving environmental systems and creating parks and open spaces to promote social engagement and enhance community health leading to the overall well-being of the city.”

City staff compiled a 205-page policy framework and a 293-page data, inventory and analysis document — both of which are available to read on the city’s website in the Planning & Zoning Division section. 

IN OTHER NEWS

• District 45 State House Rep. Leonard Spencer gave an update on the 105-day-long legislative session during the July 15 Ocoee City Commission meeting. “While every legislative session comes with its share of challenges, I’m pleased to share that this year, my office was able to secure results for District 45, results that will directly benefit the people and priorities here in Ocoee,” Spencer said. “I’ll start with the most concrete win: My office was able to identify $3 million in state funding for our district.” Spencer also highlighted the $150,000 his office helped secure for the Central Florida Mothers’ Milk Bank, which supports vulnerable infants in the region by providing safe human donor milk.
• Ocoee Fire Chief Thomas Smothers shared an update on the recently completed installation of five Automated External Defibrillator stations at five of the city’s parks. With funds from the city’s 2023-24 budget and a donation from Parent Heart Watch, Healthy West Orange Wellness Park, Liberty Park, Freedom Park, Prairie Lake Park and the Jim Beech Recreation Center now each have an AED tower installed. 
• With District 1 Commissioner Scott Kennedy dissenting, the City Commission approved a nine-item consent agenda by a 2-1 vote, with District 3 Commissioner Richard Firstner absent. Among the items approved was the appointment of Roman Whittle to the Code Enforcement Board for a three-year term; the approval of $202,800 for design and engineering services from Kimley-Horn & Associates for the second phase of the Lake Apopka Nature Park Master Plan; and the approval of a tentative millage rate increase from 4.95 to 5.5 mills for the 2025-26 fiscal year. This tentative rate is required by state law to be set every July so taxpayers can receive their estimated property tax levies for the upcoming year. However, the rate might be reduced during September budget hearings — a practice the city has traditionally followed.