Martin County Fire Chief Chad Cianciulli is warning that a proposed expansion of Florida’s homestead exemption could significantly reduce funding for Fire Rescue, potentially leading to station closures, firefighter layoffs, and longer emergency response times.
Impact on Fire Rescue
The measure, which will go before Florida voters in November, could lower property tax bills for homeowners. However, local governments have warned that it could also reduce revenue used to pay for public services. Martin County Fire Rescue projects its annual budget would decline by $9.5 million in the first year, and by $16.5 million in the second year, a 22% reduction from the department’s current budget.
Under the scenario, Fire Rescue could close Station 18 on Britt Road, Station 33 in Hobe Sound, and Station 23 on Kanner Highway. Cianciulli added that the department could be forced to lay off as many as 116 firefighters by the second year, equivalent to one of the department’s three shifts.
The chief also warned that the funding loss could force Martin County to eliminate specialized teams responsible for hazardous materials incidents, technical rescues, and dive operations. The department could then have to request assistance from neighboring agencies in Palm Beach or St. Lucie counties, potentially increasing response times.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
