SANTA ROSA COUNTY FIRE CHIEFS PUSH FOR RATE HIKE

Santa Rosa County firefighters say they are struggling to meet the demand of calls due to the area's growth. Now, fire chiefs are asking county commissioners to raise the MSBU rate to purchase more equipment and hire more fire fighters. MSBU stands for municipal service benefit unit, which allows special tax assessments on different areas of the county. Nine MSBU fire districts in Santa Rosa County are proposing a rate increase for residents and businesses. The districts cite inflation, an increase in population, and lack of volunteers. They're proposing a rate increase of $37 per household and a commercial rate increase of 1.5%. This would pay for additional equipment and bring on paid employees instead of relying on volunteers in some rural departments.