MOORE HAVEN -- The option of adding a non ad valorem special assessment to the county tax bill to pay for fire service and emergency rescue service is still on the table.

At their Dec. 12 meeting, Glades County Commissioners discussed the option of putting the “fire tax” on the ballot and letting the voters decide if they wish to go that route.

In a 3-1 vote, commissioners approved a resolution to authorize use of such an assessment in 2024. County Attorney Richard Pringle said adopting the resolution does not adopt any ad valorem assessment or approve any ad valorem assessment.

“This is just to keep the door open,” said Pringle.

Pringle said the board can put a binding or nonbinding referendum on the ballot in 2024. If approved, the special assessment could go into effect in 2025.

 “All those decisions can be made in 2024,” he said.

Commission Chair Tim Stanley said he would like to see it on the ballot.

“I think the people will be pretty vocal,” said Commissioner Tony Whidden. He said when the matter was discussed previously, the majority of the calls he received were in opposition to the assessment.

“But you have the people who are wanting and needing fire service as well,” said Commissioner Hattie Taylor.

Commissioner Whidden voted in opposition to the resolution.