§ 78-64. Findings of benefit and apportionment.

It is hereby ascertained, determined and declared that:

(1)

Pursuant to F.S. § 125.271, a county that adopted an ordinance authorizing the imposition of an assessment for emergency medical services prior to January 1, 2002, may fund the costs of emergency medical services through the levy of an EMS tax assessment.

(2)

The county had imposed an assessment for emergency medical services prior to January 1, 2002, and therefore, is authorized to utilize the provisions of F.S. § 125.271 to levy an EMS tax assessment.

(3)

Emergency medical services, facilities, and programs provide a benefit to improved property because emergency medical services increase the use and enjoyment of improved property by (1) protecting the life and safety of intended occupants in the use and enjoyment of property; and (2) potentially lowering the cost of property insurance by the presence of a professional and comprehensive emergency medical services program within the county.

(4)

All improved property within the county demands emergency medical services and the county's comprehensive emergency medical services program must therefore be equipped and able to respond to all properties within the county, including all properties within municipalities that heretofore or hereafter consent to the levy of the EMS tax assessment. Accordingly, it is fair and reasonable to apportion and levy an EMS tax assessment against all improved property within the county to fund the emergency medical services costs.

(Ord. No. 03-10, § 1.04, 8-5-2003)