Matlacha Fire Station update
Some citizens of our community have asked questions and expressed concerns about the proposed Matlacha Fire Station. The district is still committed to provide equal fire protection throughout the district as promised during the planning, design and construction of Bokeelia Station #3. Bokeelia Station #3 has been open since January 2009 and is serving the district well.
Property for the Matlacha Station has been acquired and was just recently granted a special exception (7/23/2010) to allow Fire/EMS facility in the Agricultural (AG-2) zoning district and also to allow for specific variances. During our planning stage for the Matlacha Station Lee County EMS had proposed building the Fire/EMS station if we purchased the property. Lee County EMS had to withdraw dedicated funds for the station due to the economy and budget cutbacks. The Matlacha/Pine Island Board of Commissioners and I spent numerous hours, letters, phone calls, and even visited the chambers of all the County Commissioners to no avail. We have also approached both the Cape Coral Fire Department and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office with service joint venture proposals to build and share the building and are
pursuing grants for financial assistance in construction and manpower. As you know we have lost significant taxable value; 2007 was $2,099,436,120 and 2010 is $1,333,417,564, causing ad valorem taxes to decrease 36% over the last three years, and are trying to maintain our existing service and manpower. However we are still taking many positive steps to provide the service needed east of the Matlacha Bridge. For example, during the bidding for the Matlacha Bridge replacement we were approached by some of the contractors to see if our station property was available as a lay down yard for equipment and materials. I contacted Greater Pine Island Water to see what they were charged for the property used during the water line replacement in Matlacha and brought it to the board. The board agreed to lease the property as long as we left enough room for a temporary fire station similar to what we built in Bokeelia, prior to the construction of the permanent station. It would also be a way to get the required additional funds to apply toward the station. I have met with the bridge contractors concerning the lease of our property but have not yet received a response.
During this next budget year we will continue moving forward by:
1. Set millage at 3.0 and further reduce 2010-2011 budget expenses so as to increase the operating and carry forward reserves.
2. Set a target date to decide how we will finance and staff Matlacha station #4
3. Establish an “in the sunshine” ad hoc group of Fire Fighters to evaluate all staffing options for stations (1) one thru (4) four with direct and formal input to Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District Commissioners.
4. Establish an “in the sunshine” ad hoc Citizens group, with representatives from all four sections of the district, to provide input to the Commissioners on both short term and long term financing of the District.
The past few years the economy has affected us all, in some form or another many have lost jobs, homes or have family members who have, and every dollar is stretched as far as it can be. I mentioned earlier the taxable value and ad valorem taxes have affected all public service agencies as well but we will continue to strive to provide you the service you expect and deserve.