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
Body
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 i...
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