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Hernando Today

Spring Hill Fire Tax Cap Lowered

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By MICHAEL D. BATES

Hernando Today

Published: December 31, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - State Rep. Robert Schenck said Tuesday he would present a bill to the Legislature, probably in March, setting a maximum allowable tax cap rate for Spring Hill Fire Rescue District of 2.50 mills.

A previous draft had the cap set at 2.75 mills. But given the economy and after conferring with fire district officials, Schenck said the lower cap was in the best interests of taxpayers and the district.

If passed, Spring Hill fire commissioners could not raise its property tax rate from the current 2.286 mills to a rate higher than 2.50.

Spring Hill Fire Chief Michael Rampino said the plan is to keep the rate at 2.286 or even lower. But he is also aware next year's revenue could be lower if assessed property values decline.

"We'll try to make it work," Rampino said. "We never had any intention of going to 2.75. We just thought it would be a good safety net. We'll try and keep it at 2.286 or lower (and) keep the same level of service."

Also at Tuesday's legislative delegation meeting, Schenck said he would press for a second referendum vote for Spring Hill in 2010. People will vote for two fire commissioner seats at that time and also to set the 2.50 mill cap.

Last November, voters approved a non-binding referendum making the district independent from the county. However, that doesn't become official until the Florida Legislature writes a bill that creates such a district and the governor signs it.

Once independence is formally granted, oversight of the district would shift from the county to the state.

Sen. Mike Fasano said the millage reduction sends a strong signal to the residents of Spring Hill that its fire district will be fiscally responsible.

Fasano said he was glad the independence issue was decided by a people's referendum and not by an act of the Legislature.

Reporter Michael D. Bates can be reached at 352-544-5290 or mbates@hernandotoday.com.

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