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ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: May 21, 2020 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 1 <br /> SUBJECT: FY 2020-21 Fire Districts' Tax Rates <br /> DEPARTMENT: County Manager and Finance and Administrative Services <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> A. Fire Districts' Requests for FY2020- Bonnie Hammersley, (919) 245-2300 <br /> 21 Travis Myren, (919) 245-2308 <br /> B. Historical Fire District Tax Rates Paul Laughton, (919) 245-2152 <br /> (from FY 2004-05 to FY 2020-21) Gary Donaldson, (919) 245-2453 <br /> PURPOSE: To review and discuss the FY 2020-21 fire districts' tax rates, including tax rate <br /> increases recommended for two (2) fire districts. <br /> BACKGROUND: During tonight's work session, Commissioners will have the opportunity to <br /> dialogue with New Hope Fire District and Orange Rural Fire District, who have requested tax <br /> rate increases for FY 2020-21. As in the past, fire districts requesting tax rate increases <br /> present their needs for a tax increase to the Commissioners at a work session. Staff has invited <br /> representatives from the departments listed above to tonight's virtual work session to answer <br /> any questions and/or provide additional information to the Board regarding their increase. <br /> Attachment A provides information regarding tax rate requests from all twelve (12) fire districts <br /> and/or fire service districts in Orange County for FY 2020-21, the amount of funds one cent on <br /> the tax rate generates, fund balance information, as well as information detailing the reasons for <br /> the requested tax rate increases. Information regarding all fire districts is located in the Fire <br /> District section of the FY 2020-21 Manager Recommended Budget beginning on page 216. <br /> Attachment B reflects historical Fire District tax rates dating back to FY 2004-05. <br /> The Fire Districts requesting tax rate increases in FY 2020-21 are as follows: <br /> • New Hope Fire District (Page 219) — increase of .73 cents, going from a current tax rate <br /> of 9.94 cents to 10.67 cents, for FY 2020-21. This rate increase is to restructure their <br /> staff, add three (3) paid positions, and maintain their current level of service. <br /> • Orange Rural Fire District (Page 220) — increase of .33 cents, going from a current tax <br /> rate of 9.15 cents to 9.48 cents, for FY 2020-21. This rate increase is to add a full time <br /> Chief position, and to cover ongoing increases in worker's compensation insurance. The <br />