Lehigh Fire Board Chairman Jeff Berndt signs resolutions finalizing the budget for the fire district. At right is Julie Barreett, a member of the Commission. Photo by Mel Toadvine

A $21,963,337 budget was formally passed by the Lehigh Acres Fire and Rescue Board of Commissioners on Sept. 9. Commissioners also passed a resolution raising the millage rate for Lehigh homeowners to 3 mils. The meeting was required by state law.

The purpose of the meeting, the board was told by its attorney, was for only the final adoption of the millage rate and of the new budget which takes effect Oct. 1.

About a dozen people attended the final budget hearing at Veterans Park Center. And only a few people had anything to say prior to the vote during a public comment period.

Kevin Shea of Lehigh told commissioners next year would provide less ad valorem taxes and said they need to “sharpen their pencils.”

“You’re are on a pathway for bankruptcy,” he said.

“From my analysis, I see ad valorem taxes next year coming in at 25 per or less,” he said.

Linda Carter, a member of the Lehigh Acres Community Planning Corp. suggested that the fire department consider using solar panels to generate electricity in the future.

Robert Anderson, a community activist and a former candidate for a seat on the board, questioned what he called high salaries of firefighters. He suggested that the board cancel the union contract with the firefighters. He was reminded by the board that union negotiations were underway

Cathy Kruse also brought up the union issue and asked if there had been any more concessions from the union bosses.

Prior to the passage of the budget, Commissioner Ralph Hemingway said he was unhappy that the union had not done more.

“We don’t know what the union will do,” responded Joel Guzman, a member of the board. Hemingway continued by saying he could see big savings in insurance.

Commission President Jeff Berndt told Hemingway that he thought it was funny that now “you have this information at the 11th hour.”

Board Attorney Richard Pringle said the main purpose of the meeting was to pass the millage rate and the budget. Pringle also said certain things regarding the HIPA laws could not be discussed at the meeting.

But Hemingway continued to talk for several minutes which appeared to upset Berndt and others on the board. At one time, Berndt raised his voice.

“You’ve had plenty of time during budget hearings and executive sessions to bring these things up,” Berndt shouted.

“Then forget it,” Hemingway said.

Attorney Pringle reminded Hemingway that there will be another time to discuss the topics he wanted to bring up.

“Items can be changed on line items,” Pringle said.

In mid August, Chief Donald Adams, after being asked not to lay off employees until the end of September by the board, announced a lay off of around 37 firefighters and staff employees. He told The Citizen that he had no choice because paying salaries was dipping into reserves to be used in next year’s budget.

The ad valorem tax rates have dropped nearly 50 percent in Lehigh due to homes losing their values because of the current downturn in the economy.

In addition, Adams, announced the closing of the new firehouse on Milwaukee Blvd. He also announced less local ambulance service due to the loss of EMTs. The county EMT service is helping to serve Lehigh residents who have paid taxes to the county for the services anyway.