<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4Acn6J_1GqAmAMs00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4Acn6J_1GqAmAMs00" width="1280" height="720" ></figure>BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. (WINK) — With Amendment 3 approved by Florida voters, independent fire districts across Southwest Florida are preparing for a potential loss of millions of dollars in property tax revenue. Bonita Springs Fire Chief Greg DeWitt says departments will have to find ways to balance their budgets while continuing to respond to emergencies.DeWitt estimates the Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue District could lose approximately $4 million in property tax revenue during the first year of the changes, with that figure eventually growing to about $8 million.He says roughly 98% of the district’s revenue comes from property taxes, leaving few alternative sources of funding.“It’s not like we’ve got a money making somewhere to make the money up, we just don’t,” DeWitt said.While property values have risen over the years, DeWitt says the cost of running a fire department has also increased significantly.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4EYCQx_1GqAmAMs00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4EYCQx_1GqAmAMs00" width="1280" height="720" ></figure>He pointed to the price of a ladder truck as one example. A truck that cost less than $1 million in 2016 now costs approximately $1.8 million. Fire engines, protective equipment, insurance and construction costs have also increased. DeWitt says about 85% of his district’s budget goes toward personnel.With less revenue expected, some services residents currently receive for free or at a low cost could become more expensive or disappear altogether.The district offers CPR classes, car seat installations, babysitting safety programs and fire safety inspections. DeWitt says those programs could be among the services reviewed as the district looks for savings.“Those things either may have to stop, or there may be a charge for them,” DeWitt said.Another challenge is determining where replacement funding would come from. DeWitt says independent fire districts would not turn to Lee County or the City of Bonita Springs to cover their shortfalls. Instead, they may have to seek additional funding from the state, although there is no guarantee that assistance would be available.Some districts could also consider raising their millage rates, which determine how much property tax residents pay. However, DeWitt says several districts are already at their maximum allowable rates, leaving them with fewer options.He also questioned whether merging neighboring fire districts would solve the problem.DeWitt used Bonita Springs, Estero and San Carlos Park as a hypothetical example, estimating that the three districts could collectively lose $18 million in revenue. He says combining them would not eliminate that shortfall because each community would still need firefighters, equipment and fire stations.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1kMIEc_1GqAmAMs00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1kMIEc_1GqAmAMs00" width="1280" height="720" ></figure>While DeWitt does not anticipate layoffs in Bonita Springs, he says other districts could face more difficult decisions.“You may have to lay people off. You may have to not pay the overtime and shut that truck down for the day because of personnel,” DeWitt said.For now, Bonita Springs Fire is reviewing its budget and evaluating ways to maintain emergency response and other community services. DeWitt expects a clearer picture of the district’s financial outlook next summer, when updated property values become available.He emphasized that regardless of how districts adjust their budgets, the need for emergency services will remain.“Hurricanes are still going to come. Heart attacks are still going to happen, no matter what,” DeWitt said.</div></body>

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BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. (WINK) — With Amendment 3 approved by Florida voters, independent fire districts across Southwest Florida are preparing for a potential loss of millions of dollars in property tax revenue. Bonita Springs Fire Chief Greg DeWitt says departments will have to find ways to balance their budgets while continuing to respond to emergencies.

Fire districts face tough choices after Amendment 3

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BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. (WINK) — With Amendment 3 approved by Florida voters, independent fire districts across Southwest Florida are preparing for a potentia

Fire districts face tough choices after Amendment 3

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