Ocoee advances with proposed fire fee increase amid budget concerns

The Ocoee City Commission unanimously approved the first step toward increasing the city’s fire assessment fee Tuesday, June 16, amid the rising operational costs and the potential financial impact of the proposed statewide property tax legislation. 

District 3 Commissioner Richard Firstner was absent. 

The commission voted to establish a maximum assessment level equal to 70% of the fire department’s five-year average assessable budget and scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, Aug. 18, when a final rate will be set. The fee will be a flat rate of $597 per year for residential properties, 34 cents for commercial and institutional properties, and 22 cents per square foot for industrial and warehouse properties. 

Every Ocoee property owner will receive a letter in the mail with the proposed new fire fee. 

Assistant City Manager Mike Rumer said staff recommended the commission set the highest rate at 70%. When the commission returns for the public hearing, city staff will have up-to-date data revenue projections from the property appraiser and “more than likely” will come back with a rate around 47%. 

“What you’re seeing is the catch-up from the possibility that this ballot initiative does pass in November and we have to protect ourselves now,” City Manager Craig Shadrix said. “You don’t get another opportunity. We recommend strongly that you put this into place now as proposed. When it repeats again, we would not be proposing you increase it to the full 70% this year, and if that doesn’t pass, then we’ll be back in front of you, talking about that and there would likely be a budget amendment.” 

Shadrix said staff most likely will recommend increasing the fire fee to 47% next year, which would be $383 per year for residential properties, and have it increase again the following year, until it reaches the highest possible increase of 70%. 

Shadrix said the proposal isn’t tied solely to the property tax proposal but rather a continuation of discussions that began a year ago following the rapid increase in the fire department’s fees. 

District 2 Commissioner Rosemary Wilsen agreed the city ultimately had no choice but to increase the rate due to the possibility of losing funds from the vote in November. 

TRASH TALK 

Public Works Director Steve Krug said the contract with Ocoee’s current solid waste collector, Waste Connections, is expiring in April 2027, and the collector doesn’t wish to exercise its three-year contract extension. 

The company has requested about an 8% increase in commercial collection rates because of changes in the solid waste market. He added that even with the increase, Ocoee’s rates still would be below those fees charged in neighboring communities. 

The commissioners directed staff to seek bids for the city’s new residential waste collection contract because of displeasure with the service provided in Waste Connection’s seven years as a provider. 

MICROMOBILITY REGULATION

The commission approved the first reading of an ordinance that would establish regulations on the use of electric bicycles, electric scooters and other micromobility devices throughout the city. 

General operating requirements under the amendment are in compliance with state law for operation of all devices under Chapter 316, Florida statues; no person should use them in a reckless or unsafe manner; no device can carry more people than it’s designed for; users are required to provide an audible warning before they pass pedestrians on sidewalks or multi-use paths; and using the devices between sunset and sunrise requires a front white lamp, a red rear light and a real reflector. 

While using the micromobility devices on a sidewalk or shared-use pathway, the speed cannot exceed 10 mph, and users should always yield to the right-of-way pedestrians. 

Helmets will be required for all users under age 16, and no stunt riding, wheelies or racing are allowed on public property.