Bonita Springs fire commissioners review new budget

Bonita Springs Fire and Rescue commissioners got their first look Monday at a new budget that would lower their millage rate.

During a preliminary budget hearing, fire district staff presented commissioners with a $31.5 million budget for 2006-07.

Just more than $22 million of the budget will come from taxes, compared to $17.8 million from taxes last year — a 24 percent increase. The difference comes despite a projected lowering of the millage rate.

Fire Chief Dan Gourley and his staff suggested a 2.2 millage rate, which calls for a tax rate of $2.20 for every $1,000 in assessed property value.

The lowered rate, which is attributed to property value increases throughout Bonita Springs, is expected to bring in the $22 million. An additional $9.5 million will come from other avenues, including loans and reserves.

Last year's rate was 2.3.

While happy to see the millage rate reduced, commissioner Ed FitzGerald said he'd like to see it even lower. FitzGerald said taxing bodies throughout Southwest Florida will be watched closely this year because they will have much more money with property values rising.

Among the items included on this year's preliminary budget is a new ladder truck at $934,600 and a new boat at $80,000. There are also about $250,000 in new computer software and bunker gear.

Commission chairman Frank Liles said he did not think the 2.2 millage rate was too high, pointing out that he felt good about what the district was doing with the money.

Despite the disagreement in millage rates, all commissioners and staff members were in agreement on the majority of the budget.

Commissioners now have until July to adopt a millage rate. From there they can lower, but not raise it, before approving the budget in late August or September.