The Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District holds its regular meetings on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. Meeting are held at fire station 104 at 3102 16th Street SW. PHOTO PROVIDED

Fire commissioners unanimously approved the Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District’s 2018-19 fiscal year budget during its final hearing Friday.

Chairman Cathy Kruse motioned to adopt the total revenue and carry forward budget of $31.1 million, with more than $15 million coming from special assessment fees. The motion carried 4-0.

During the district’s July budget workshop, Commissioner William Liedtke motioned to adopt a preliminary rate increase resolution of 4.42 percent to each tier of the assessment fee rate and to hold a public hearing to adopt the rate resolution on Aug. 28, a motion that later carried unanimously by board members.

The district’s legal counsel Richard Pringle acknowledged Finance Manager Anita Kressel and staff for their hard work on getting the new budget together.

“I just want to congratulate the board for completing your assessment fee and 2018-19 fiscal budget. We are still looking at ways to amend Chapter 191 and create a new assessment program to be presented during the next legislative session,” said Pringle.

The board also voted on an administrative wage increase of 5 percent to be given to employees covered by the non-bargaining handbook.

“We are still trying to catch up administrative salaries to where they were previously before the concessions,” said Chief Robert DiLallo.

Commissioner Linda Carter motioned to approve the agenda item, which passed unanimously.

Assistant Chief of Life Safety Division, Ken Bennett brought back a proposal to revise the current user’s fees.

According to Bennett, he worked to revise the fee schedule to make it easier for the district to assess.

“Under inspection fees, an increase was made for firework tent inspections and a price per head on the inspection of fire sprinklers. I’m presently working on a report that responders can fill out to determine fees following an incident,” Bennett said.

Another topic discussed revolved around intervention programs offered by the fire district. The Juvenile Fire-setter Intervention Program is an educational program meant to educate and change the behavior of young adults and children whose actions led to a fire.

Liedtke inquired about the current fees charged to families in cases of fires started by juveniles in the household.

“My concern is for the kids whose families can’t afford to pay for the program. This program is very important and we need to have something in place to make sure those kids are able to attend the classes. Maybe some sort of hardship provision,” said Liedtke.

The board approved the fee resolution with modifications and reserves the right to assess fees or waive the intervention program fees in cases of proven hardships.

The Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District holds its regular meetings on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. Meeting are held at fire station 104 at 3102 16th Street SW.