HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 06-08-2017 - 1. FY 2017-18 Fire Districts’ Tax Rates ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: June 8, 2017
Action Agenda
Item No. 1
SUBJECT: FY 2017-18 Fire Districts' Tax Rates
DEPARTMENT: County Manager and Finance and Administrative Services
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
A. Fire Districts' Requests for FY2017- Bonnie Hammersley, (919) 245-2300
18 Travis Myren, (919) 245-2308
B. Historical Fire District Tax Rates Paul Laughton, (919) 245-2152
(from FY 2004-05 to FY 2017-18) Gary Donaldson, (919) 245-2453
PURPOSE: To review and discuss the FY 2017-18 fire districts' tax rates, including tax rate
increases recommended for seven (7) fire districts.
BACKGROUND: During tonight's work session, Commissioners will have the opportunity to
dialogue with Cedar Grove, Damascus, Eno, Little River, Orange Rural, Southern Triangle, and
White Cross fire districts who have requested a tax rate increase for FY 2017-18. As in the
past, fire districts requesting tax rate increases present their needs for a tax increase to the
Commissioners at a work session. Staff has invited representatives from the departments listed
above to tonight's work session to answer any questions and/or provide additional information
to the Board regarding their increase.
Attachment A provides information regarding tax rate requests from all twelve (12) fire districts
and/or fire service districts in Orange County for FY 2017-18, the amount of funds one cent on
the tax rate generates, fund balance information, as well as information detailing the reasons for
the requested tax rate increases. Information regarding all fire districts is located in the Fire
District section of the FY 2017-18 Manager Recommended Budget beginning on page 355.
Attachment B reflects historical Fire District tax rates dating back to FY 2004-05.
The Fire Districts requesting tax rate increases in FY 2017-18 are as follows:
• Cedar Grove Fire District (Page 356) - increase of 1.00 cents, going from a revenue
neutral tax rate of 7.10 cents to 8.10 cents, for FY 2017-18. The existing tax rate is 7.36
cents. This rate increase will be used to help cover the replacement costs of a fire
engine at Station #2.
• Damascus Fire District (Page 356) - increase of .09 cents, going from a revenue
neutral tax rate of 10.21 cents to 10.30 cents, for FY 2017-18. The existing tax rate is
10.30 cents. This tax rate increase is consistent with the Chatham County tax rate.
• Eno Fire District (page 357) - increase of 1.00 cents, going from a revenue neutral tax
rate of 7.68 cents to 8.68 cents, for FY 2017-18. The existing tax rate is 7.99 cents. This
rate increase will be used to help cover the replacement costs of a 23 year old tanker,
and the completion of the renovations at Station #1, including a garage building, which
houses additional fire units and equipment.
• Little River Fire District (Pages 357-358) - increase of 1.00 cents, going from a
revenue neutral tax rate of 3.92 cents to 4.92 cents, for FY 2017-18. The existing tax
rate is 4.06 cents. This rate increase will be used to move forward in purchasing land
and construction of a Station #2 and to help cover the cost of purchasing a new fire
engine.
• Orange Rural Fire District (Page 359) - increase of 1.00 cents, going from a revenue
neutral tax rate of 8.15 cents to 9.15 cents, for FY 2017-18. The existing tax rate is 8.36
cents. This rate increase will be used to add personnel and cover increases in insurance
costs, including worker's compensation, automobile, and health.
• Southern Triangle Fire Service District (Page 360) - increase of .34 cents, going from
a revenue neutral tax rate of 9.96 cents to 10.30 cents, for FY 2017-18. The existing tax
rate is 10.30 cents. This tax rate increase is consistent with the Chatham County tax
rate.
• White Cross Fire District (Page 360) - increase of 1.00 cents, going from a revenue
neutral tax rate of 10.37 cents to 11.37 cents, for FY 2017-18. The existing tax rate is
11.00 cents. This tax rate increase will be used to help offset the cost of replacement of
a 30 year old pumper/tanker, equipment replacement, increased member training, and
continue their capital outlay program.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Included in the Background Section above.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: There are no Social Justice Goal impacts associated with this
item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board discuss the above
mentioned fire districts' tax rate increases and give direction to county staff, as appropriate.