Martin County Fire Rescue could lose $16.5 million if voters approve property tax reform in November, according to public records. County commissioners are set to discuss what those changes could mean for the fire department in a commission meeting Tuesday.
The proposed reform would increase the homestead exemption over two years. If voters approve it, Martin County Fire Rescue's presentation outlines two stark options: cut services or cut staff. Cutting services would mean closing fire stations, ending hazmat, dive and technical rescue operations, grounding the critical care helicopter, and using firefighting equipment past its lifespan. Cutting staff would mean eliminating 116 firefighters over two years, roughly one in three firefighters in the department.
Rick Sterl, president of the Martin County Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 2959, said the department is bracing for the impact. Most of the department's funding comes from ad valorem and general fund revenue. Sterl said any reductions could change the outcome of the level of care and response time. "At the end of the day, any cuts is someone is going to pay the price," Sterl said.
According to public records, both options create compounding problems. Cutting services means remaining personnel cannot respond properly, while cutting firefighters means there will not be enough staff to maintain existing services. Fire rescue argues no version of the proposal allows the department to remain whole.
Residents in Martin County offered mixed reactions. Joe Vessichio said he does not believe the cuts will happen, calling it no big deal if people lose their jobs and get retrained. Lisa Freitas, owner of Lisa Gay Fashions, expressed concern about what cuts could mean for public safety and praised the work firefighters do protecting families.