MILTON, Del. - Milton town leaders are in the early stages of discussing a possible annual fire fee that, if approved, would appear on property owners' tax bills to help support the Milton Fire Department.
Mayor John Collier said no decisions have been made. He said the $10 fee that has been discussed is only a placeholder as town leaders continue working through the budget process.
If ultimately approved, the annual fee would replace the town's yearly donation to the fire department, which councilmen Scotty Edler said is about $16,000. With approximately 2,200 homes in Milton, the proposed $10 fee would generate about $22,000.
The idea was discussed during the town's Finance Committee meeting on Aug. 4 as leaders considered ways to make fire department funding a dedicated part of the town budget instead of relying on an annual donation approved by the council.
The Milton Fire Department, which is primarily staffed by volunteers with limited full-time personnel, says they serve 100.25 square miles as development continues to expand around the town.
The deparment tells CoastTV that they did not request a fire fee but said operating costs and emergency call volume continue to increase significantly.
Employing one paid firefighter/EMS employee costs about $74,000 annually, including salary, benefits and gear. The department is also working to replace its only ladder truck, which is more than 30 years old, according to the department.
James Nelson, says he would be willing to help with more than just $10.
"With the influx of people and all the infrastructure work that needs to be done, you know, it's a volunteer fire company. I have no problem with that. In fact, I'd be willing to pay more for police protection here," said Nelson.
Milton resident Meg Pinto said she supports the idea.
"They work so hard, and we all need them," Pinto said. "People mean well, but they don't always remember to donate. So a $10 tax, I don't think it's a big hardship."
Right now the department says they have 15 full timers and rely heavily on volunteers.
Town leaders said they will have a public hearing later this month about the overall budget of the town and the Milton Town Council is scheduled to vote on the budget Sept. 14.
Leaders emphasized that no decision has been made on whether to adopt a fire fee or what the final amount would be.
