Fire referendum has residents seeing smoke

How to fund the fire department is causing Pinellas County residents considerable concern.

A tax referendum on the November ballot in Pinellas County has some North Beach property owners fired up. 
   
Residents within the Pinellas Suncoast Fire District currently pay for fire services. The referendum asks residents if they'd rather pay a fee based on a home's size, which could drive up the cost for many.

The battle may now be headed to court.
 
Most of the equipment being used by the Pinellas Suncoast Fire and Rescue District is relatively new, purchased for $1 million in 2001.

But after not raising its rates for 12 years, board members say the fire district has fallen behind and needs more money or the legislature could dissolve it.

The district is asking voters to consider a change from a flat fee of $190 per household, approved by voters in 2003, to a new non-ad valorem tax of 17 cents per square foot.
 
"The size of the dwelling is the only thing you pay for," Chief John
Leahy of Pinellas Suncoast Fire and Rescue said. "It's not the assessed value of the property or the dwelling."

However, some residents and city officials claim the proposal is unfair.

"This is a tax increase that will affect residential property only and specifically single family residences," Leahy said.

Pinellas Suncoast Fire and Rescue Chief John Leahy said the proposed tax increase will affect residential single- family residences only.

Opponents are filing a lawsuit, asking a circuit court to stop the referendum or throw out the results. The lawsuit contends the referendum is "so arbitrary, excessive, disproportionate and discriminatory," that it violates both state and federal constitutions.

"It leaves us open to future tax increases based on different interpretations of the language in the ballot measure," Bill Ockunzzi said. 
 
But the fire chief said residents should have the right to vote.
 
"And be concerned that you should at least pay a fair and equitable price for the services you receive," Leahy said.

No date has been set for a court hearing, but the fire district has until October 26 to file a response.

Election officials said it's possible the vote will go forward and the results will be withheld until a final court ruling.

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