To the Editor

I want to explain why I voted to extend the fire assessment debate.

The first time the assessment was mentioned was at the second public meeting at East Lee High School. I had questions on the fairness of the assessment.

After that meeting I did an investigation into this matter and realized there were questions I needed to ask the lawyers. The lawyers needed time to research their answers.

In my investigations I have found where Oceola County, in its unincorporated areas, has used this fee to reduce their taxes.

A comparison study needs to be made between our present taxation and the proposed assessment fee.

Ralph Hemingway

Fire Commissioner