St. Petersburg officials are now working to answer a burning question: Can a new fire assessment fee save public safety from the effects of property tax reform?
The city stands to lose over $54 million if 60% of voters approve Florida’s property tax amendment in November, according to internal projections. Such a significant revenue loss would “make it difficult” to maintain current staffing and service levels, Budget Director Liz Makofske told city council members during an extensive committee meeting last Thursday at City Hall.
Mayor Ken Welch’s administration is already exploring a special assessment for fire services to help guard against a fiscal cliff. Multiple city council members advocated for an aggressive approach…