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Hernando Today

Russell Warns Of Skipping Referendum

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By TONY HOLT

Published: May 7, 2008

SPRING HILL - Circumventing the process toward an independent fire district would likely be a devastating backfire, one county commissioner said Wednesday.

David Russell, who spent eight years in the state Legislature, insists the attorneys for the Spring Hill Fire Rescue District are wrong to suggest it would be better for them to bypass the voters in November and take the issue of independence straight to the lawmakers in Tallahassee.

"It's well-founded skepticism," Russell said of his point of view, having spent two of his eight years as a legislator on the Rules and Calendar Council.

"I can appreciate the fact Spring Hill Fire is trying to streamline the process in circumventing one of the referendums," he continued, "but problems will arise."

The original plan was to have both the county attorney's office and lawyers for the district to agree on the language of a referendum, which was expected to go before Spring Hill voters in November.

If they approved the referendum — which asks the question whether they want the fire district to operate independently from the county — then it would go before the Legislature during next year's session.

The issue of tax levies would still be up in the air. Residents would have to vote on another measure in November 2009 that would set the ad valorem millage rate. The Legislature would be required to vote on that in 2010.

The district's lawyers want voters to choose one referendum, not two.

Attorney Fabian Lokenauth went before county commissioners Tuesday with the plan to go straight to the Legislature and skip November's referendum. The board was surprised of the move.

"This is an earnest attempt to streamline the process," Russell said. "I would say it would be terribly unwise."

His words carry weight for both Chief Mike Rampino and fire board chairman Charles Raborn. Neither was inclined to dispute his opinion when contacted Wednesday.

"I would probably agree with him," Raborn said.

Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.

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