TO: Mayor and City Commission
FROM: Cale Curtis, City Manager
DATE: June 3, 2026
Title
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MARGATE, FLORIDA, RELATING TO THE PROVISION OF FIRE RESCUE SERVICES, FACILITIES AND PROGRAMS IN THE CITY OF MARGATE, FLORIDA; ESTABLISHING THE ESTIMATED ASSESSMENT RATE FOR FIRE RESCUE ASSESSMENTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2026; DIRECTING THE PREPARATION OF AN ASSESSMENT ROLL; AUTHORIZING A PUBLIC HEARING AND DIRECTING THE PROVISION OF NOTICE THEREOF; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
BACKGROUND: This initial rate resolution initiates the annual process for updating the Assessment Roll, directs the reimposition of Fire Rescue Assessments for the Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 2026, and amends and restates the Initial Assessment Resolution.
The City of Margate has maintained its residential fire assessment fee at $300 per residential unit for the last decade despite substantial increases in the cost of providing fire rescue and emergency medical services. During this same period, operational costs associated with personnel, equipment, emergency medical response, training, insurance, fuel, and apparatus maintenance have continued to escalate significantly nationwide and throughout South Florida.
In recent years, the City Commission approved several critical investments to maintain high-quality emergency response services and ensure the long-term sustainability of the Margate Fire Department. Most notably:
• In FY 2024, the City increased minimum daily staffing levels to enhance operational readiness and firefighter safety. The City authorized the hiring of 12 additional firefighter/paramedics, phased in over a two-year period, at an approximate annual cost of $1.6 million.
• In FY 2026, the City approved a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with wage adjustments necessary to remain competitive with surrounding agencies in Broward County and South Florida to improve recruitment and retention efforts. The increase in the CBA is valued at an estimated $3.8 million over the 3-year contract period.
These investments, which were widely supported by the general public, were necessary due to increasing recruitment challenges throughout the fire service industry and growing competition among agencies for certified firefighter/paramedics. Numerous Florida agencies have experienced staffing shortages, elevated overtime costs, and increased turnover due to market wage pressures.
Industry standards and operational studies further recognize that maintaining adequate staffing levels is essential for emergency response effectiveness, firefighter safety, and reducing excessive overtime reliance.
The proposed $50 annual increase would adjust the residential fire assessment from $300 to $350 per year, equating to approximately:
• $4.17 per month increase per household
• Approximately 17 cents per day
This adjustment is intended to partially offset rising operational and personnel costs associated with maintaining high-quality fire rescue and EMS services for Margate residents. The increase would assist the City in sustaining current service levels while supporting competitive compensation and staffing necessary to ensure reliable emergency response capabilities
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the proposed increase to the residential fire
assessment fee from $300 to $350 annually effective Fiscal Year 2026.
The adjustment reflects the increasing cost of providing fire rescue and emergency medical services while
supporting the City’s continued commitment to public safety, emergency preparedness, and maintaining
competitive staffing levels necessary to serve the Margate community effectively.
FISCAL IMPACT: The Fire Rescue Assessed Costs to be assessed and apportioned among benefited parcels pursuant to the Cost Apportionment and Parcel Apportionment for the Fiscal Year commencing October 1, 2026, is estimated to be $12,043,459, not including the reduction for buy-downs for Government, Institutional Tax-Exempt, and Disabled Veterans Exemption. Total estimated Net Revenue increase would be approximately $1,627,000.
The estimated Fire Rescue Assessments are as follows:
|
Residential Property Use Categories |
Rate Per Dwelling Unit |
|
Residential |
$350.00 |
|
Non-Residential Property Use Categories |
Rate Per Square Foot |
|
Commercial |
$0.43 |
|
Industrial/Warehouse |
$0.05 |
|
Institutional |
$0.55 |
|
Nursing Home |
$0.82 |
The rates approved this evening will set the maximum rate possible. The final rates will be approved at a Public Hearing on July 8, 2026.
CONTACT PERSON: Cale Curtis, City Manager