Fire district moves step closer to vote

The county okays a hearing on whether voters will decide who controls the agency.

By CHANDRA BROADWATER, Times Staff Writer
Published August 29, 2007

BROOKSVILLE - County commissioners have made the first move toward compromise with the Spring Hill Fire Rescue District.

On Tuesday, commissioners agreed to hold a public hearing Sept. 18 to discuss having a referendum to ask voters whether the fire district should be independent of county control. The vote could take place in January.

During commissioner comments, Chairman Jeff Stabins asked the board to consider the hearing next month to settle the contentious issue once and for all. He met last week with county and fire district officials to hammer out the details of the proposal he presented.

All commissioners agreed, except Chris Kingsley, who was absent Tuesday.

If voters would choose to retain county control, Stabins explained, the fire district would become part of Hernando County Fire Rescue. Any litigation between the two sides, such as the case the fire district currently has to define what type of agency it is, would also be considered moot.

"Hopefully this will bring this great saga to a close," Stabins said. "Even Harry Potter had to come to an end."

By getting discussions on the issue started now, Stabins said he hoped to put the potential referendum on track to take place in January.

A study on countywide fire services is expected to be complete Dec. 15. Stabins insists that with that information, there would be plenty of time for discussion and debate through the vote at the end of January.

But after hearing concerns from fellow commissioners about timing and educating the public Tuesday, he was content with commissioners agreeing to discuss the matter at all.

Commissioner Dave Russell was concerned about a referendum forJanuary's primary, when historically residents don't come out to vote. He added that there may be unforeseen difficulties in holding a vote that deals with taxing district, including problems that might arise with the Legislature, which has to give the final stamp of approval on the change.

But hands down, Russell said, he supports the general idea to push for the referendum.

Commissioner Rose Rocco said that she didn't see the need to push for a January vote, and felt that holding off until November seemed like a better, less hectic plan.

"It's extremely important we get all the information out to the residents of Spring Hill," she said. "It gives Spring Hill Fire Rescue a chance to get it out, and for us to review it. This has been going on for years, so why would we want to rush and put ourselves in a bad position again?"

Spring Hill Fire Chief J.J. Morrison said he was glad to see progress on the issue.

Next month, he will discuss the idea with Spring Hill fire commissioners, who have also requested a January referendum.

"This needs to be resolved," Morrison said. "As for the primary, I've heard no one complain about the super homestead exemption on that ballot. To me, that's one of the most important questions put out in the last few years.

"With that, and with the concerned citizens who will vote, I'm sure that the turnout will reflect the wishes of the people of Spring Hill."

Chandra Broadwater can be reached at cbroadwater@sptimes.com or 352 848-1432.

[Last modified August 28, 2007, 21:57:20]