Ad Valorem Referendum
Ernie Cave, Captain
West Manatee Fire & Rescue
On August 31, 2004 there will be a question on the ballot asking you to vote to approve or disapprove the Fire District exercising it's ad valorem taxing authority. If approved the district will impose a 1/2 mil rate (.50 cents per 1,000 of taxable value) and limit the ability of the district to raise this millage to a cap of 1 mil. This tax will be in addition to the present assessment method which will remain to reduce the impact of the millage.
This referendum was narrowly defeated in the March election after voters voiced their opinions the board has made significant changes in the proposed tax rate and reduced the cap from 3.75 mils to 1 mil.
What does this really mean to you the voter?
The West Manatee Fire & Rescue District would receive an additional $50 for each $100,000 of your home’s taxable value. This $50 per $100,000 would allow WMFR to hire the additional personnel needed to comply with State mandated firefighter safety rules and maintain the level of service you have come to expect.
How do these rules affect you?
Firefighters are firefighters because they love what they do. When a building is on fire, every firefighter on scene wants to be the 1st one in the door, with nozzle in hand. Traditionally, the 1st arriving fire truck (usually with two or 3 firefighters) would quickly size-up the fire and enter the structure to find and put out the fire, while looking for victims. State Law now says we can no longer do that. The State of Florida has adopted the Florida Firefighter Occupational Health and Safety Act. Contained in this rule is the adoption of OSHA 29CFR1910.134 or commonly called the “two-in two-out “ rule which requires fire services to implement a rapid intervention team (RIT) of at least two firefighters, who must be in place and dedicated to the safety of fire crews before they can enter a burning structure. So, instead of showing up and rushing in to fight the fire with 2 or 3 people, we now must wait for another fire truck to arrive so we can go in. The second fire truck, if you live in Northwest Bradenton would come from the City of Bradenton, or the 10,000 block of Cortez Road. That’s a long time to wait, if it is your house that is on fire! Residents on the north end of the island must wait even longer while the 2nd responding fire truck comes from the Cortez Station or the Westside Station at 67th & Manatee! If the referendum passes, WMFR would be able to show up with enough people on the 1st truck to be allowed to enter your building and fight the fire without having to wait for the 2nd fire truck.
It is the desire of the firefighters of West Manatee to provide you, the residents of our district with the best possible service. Please help us to do just that by voting for the Fire Rescue Initiative on August 31st.
Captain Cave can be reached at 941-741-3900
407 67th St. West
Bradenton, FL
