North Fort Myers Fire District asks voters for more funds

North Fort Myers Fire District asks voters for more funds

Firefighters in North Fort Myers Fire District said Thursday they need more money and voters will decide in August whether they should have it.

The fire chief said if a tax increase doesn’t pass, people’s safety could be at risk.

It’s been 13 years since the last increase. Chief David Rice said the district is using money in reserves, and they need more money for the future.

Rice warns response times could go up. The department made cutbacks and downsized years ago, and has been operating at bare minimum.

“We had to pull out of our reserve account, and that’s pretty much what kept us alive.”

The department closed a fire station, eliminated 17 positions and sold fire trucks to get by, but now they need cash to build the department back up.

“If it passes, I am going to plan on buying trucks, dedication equipment, and I’m going to buy thermal imagines.”

The referendum will go before North Fort Myers voters on Aug. 30th.

The North Fort Myers Fire Districtis located in Lee County, Florida and is a combination independent special district governed by an elected 5-member Board of Commissioners. Our workforce is managed under the direction of Fire Chief David Rice and consists of 50 career members and 18 internship firefighter positions.

• Notice of Town Hall Meetings for the North Fort Myers Fire District:
  The North Fort Myers Fire Control and Rescue District will host two informal town hall meetings to educate the residents of North Fort Myers about the challenges our fire department is facing. For informational purposes only, facts will be presented regarding fire operations and why the millage rate increase will be on the ballot for voters during the August 30, 2016 Primary Election.
  The town hall meetings will be held Wednesday, July 20, 2016 and Wednesday, August 17, 2016 from 6-7:30pm at the North Fort Myers Recreation Center, 2000 North Recreation Park Way, 33903, Room 102A. Public input is encouraged and will be taken. This will be an informal gathering only, no action will be taken.

 

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