West Manatee firefighters asked for more tax funding. Here’s how voted responded
West Manatee County voters rejected a referendum Tuesday that would have provided additional funding to the West Manatee Fire Rescue District through a new tax.
During a special election, the WMFR District — which covers Palma Sola, Cortez and the islands from Anna Maria to the southern end of Coquina Beach — asked voters for a 1-mill annual ad valorem tax “to fund the District’s fire control and rescue services, infrastructure and facilities, including medical services.”
Of the 3,325 votes on the referendum, 56% were opposed.
In a campaign mailer sent out ahead of Tuesday’s vote, the district outlined how other much money other local fire districts generate with ad valorem taxes.
For example, a $450,000 home with 2,039 square feet in Cedar Hammock would be charged $856.59 per year, and a homeowner with the same size house in East Manatee would pay $541.21 per year.
Because West Manatee Fire Rescue does not implement ad valorem tax, that same size home in West Manatee would provide the fire district with $380.95 in funding. West Manatee officials argued the extra funding could have led to reduced response times, new equipment and better training for its first responders.
“We respect the decision of our voters and appreciate everyone who took the time to participate in this important conversation about our community’s future,” said WMFR Chief Ben Rigney in a statement. “Regardless of the outcome, our mission remains the same: to provide professional services essential to the safety and well-being of the community.”
The district already receives funding from residents at a base rate of $253.94 for the first 1,000 square feet of a home, plus $0.15 cents per additional square foot. All of the funding remains with the WMFR district and its three fire stations.
With the proposed 1-mill ad valorem tax, a property owner whose home is valued at $500,000 would have provided the district with an additional $500 per year.
“West Manatee Fire Rescue will continue evaluating how best to meet the district’s evolving fire protection and emergency service needs while maintaining its commitment to providing the highest quality service to the community,” district officials said in a statement provided to the Bradenton Herald.
Why the district asked for more funding
The WMFR District asked special election voters for additional funding to help recruit firefighters and paramedics, update equipment and emergency services.
“Your support will enable advanced training and professional development, so only the best-prepared and most dedicated personnel arrive at your doorstep. With your vote, you’ll help us update critical equipment, enhance disaster preparedness, and deliver the highest standard of service with unwavering commitment, courage and compassion,” a promotional mailer said.
The district said putting the referendum on a special election allowed voters to focus more on the issue than if it were on a “crowded ballot.” It also emphasized the importance of the funding for enhanced disaster preparedness.
“After the 2024 hurricane season, it became clear: we must do better to protect you, every day and when disaster strikes,” the district said in the mailer. “The evidence is undeniable – lives are at risk every day we wait. Delayed emergency response times, rising drownings and unreliable federal disaster funding threaten our community.”
