Dr. John A. Granito, a nationally recognized expert on fire districts confirmed in his report to the District a more than 23 percent decrease in property values over the last two years. This has resulted in catastrophic financial impact with total reserves significantly less than two years of operating budget.

There is no local source of funds other than property tax revenue. The current budget has been largely funded by a bailout from Washington, D.C.

The SAFER grant will end in August 2012. The fire levy is at the maximum rate allowed by law. Beginning with the 2011-12 budget year starting on October 1, 2011 going forward the District will be unable to meet its financial obligations.

Drastic changes are required. The federal government has a $1.5 trillion deficit. Further bailouts are unlikely. Florida has a $3.5 billion deficit. Lee County also has a significant deficit. No one can honestly expect a bailout from an outside source.

The ambulance service is operating at a net loss. Only 50 percent of the ambulance fees have been collectible. Chief Don Adams has said several times that the district does not have the funds to operate both a fire and rescue service.

The board has to maintain a 25 percent budget reserve in order to pay for ongoing expenses during the three-month period when little or no tax revenue is received.

Any tax increase will have to be approved by the voters.

Taxpayers in other districts have voted down tax increases.

Some counties operate a countywide fire and ambulance service. Consolidation of fire and rescue districts in Lee County has been discussed in the press.

The legislature is now considering a bill. It will be several years before a plan is developed and put before the voters for approval however.

The Lehigh Acres fire district must take action this year to deal with its deficit.

Currently only Lehigh Acres and Fort Myers Beach operate independent ambulance services within Lee County. Should the ambulance service be discontinued?

Many fire districts in the U.S. operate with only a few paid professionals and a staff of volunteers. Should we authorize a major reorganization of the district?

Should the District adopt a declaration of financial emergency and carry out a program of personnel cuts and pay and benefit reductions as they did in Miami?

This would probably require elimination of the ambulance service, an across-the board 25 percent reduction in pay and benefits, and a reduction of more than 30 firefighters and EMT personnel.

Should the District set a fire levy increase referendum to the people? Should a special assessment not to exceed $200 per household be adopted for ambulance service?

Should the district file for bankruptcy and seek reorganization by the federal courts?

The next fire board meeting is on February 15 at 4 p.m. Give us your opinion on future actions. We encourage your readers to attend our meetings and make public comments.

Kevin T. Shea is a member of the Lehigh Acres Fire and Rescue Board of Commissioners. – Ed.