Boynton taxpayers to pay more in fire fees

Boynton Beach taxpayers will pay $120 this upcoming year for firefighter services, starting Oct. 1.

The fee, which is $20 more than this past year, will help the city afford increasing personnel costs, including pension payments.

Commissioners approved the fee increase earlier this month.

Some residents said they were happy to pay the extra fee because it would help the city fully staff Fire Station No. 1 at City Hall.

The city hired six firefighters last year, and the fire fee helps continue paying $420,000 for personnel costs.

Ginny Foot, 76, said her 80-year-old husband Bob was able to recover from a stroke four years ago in part due to the fire department’s quick response time.

“I can tell you firsthand that when he had that stroke and I got on the phone to call them, as I’m talking to the dispatcher, I can hear the siren coming down the street. It’s a comforting feeling,” she said. “The quick response in this city is heartfelt and heartwarming.”

Others at a recent city meeting said they were upset with the fee increase because it was supposed to end in 2008. Instead, it was extended and steadily increased.

Stephen Bendfelt, 64, said he was upset because the fee was set up so the city could afford to build a new fire station, but now some money from the tax could be used to help the city afford increasing pension payments.

“We all want to have good service in our fire department, but these fees are adding up every year,” he said.

bbaitinger@sun-sentinel.com, 561-243-6648 or Twitter: @BaitingerBrooke

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