As a retired government finance officer and a former volunteer firefighter, I am fascinated at the way fire service is financed in Lake County. The fire fee is charged to buildings and garbage service to general taxation.
Garbage is generated by occupants of buildings, but most fire calls (other than medical emergencies) are for brush or automobile fires. When I see field and forest fires, I can see free-loading landowners.
The financing should be reversed. Fire service, as are our police and military, is a general service of government to protect its citizens. Garbage collection, water and sewer are user services.
George De Causemacker
Tavares
Originally Published:
