Lakeview Fire Protection District to raise rates for first time in 24 years

TUSCALOOSA COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC) - The Lakeview Fire Protection District in Tuscaloosa County will be increasing fire dues for the first time in 24 years after a vote approving it.

Residents voted in the election on Nov. 18 with the final votes counted this week, including provisional ballots. The proposal passed with a 271-260 vote.

This means dues for residents in the district will double each year, but firefighters say it’s necessary in order to help keep folks safe.

“We have been trying to do this for years now,” said Lt. Cody Franklin.

Lakeview had not sought to raise annual dues for more than 20 years. Until recently, homeowners paid $75 a year. Lt. Franklin says the combination of inflation and the cost of doing of business necessitated a push to raise the annual fire protection fee.

“Prices going up, we were not able to financially be stable enough to continue to provide services like we need to,” said Lt. Franklin. “I knew it was going to be a close race.”

Franklin says he respects those who voted against the hike, but does ask those who voted against it to give the fire department a chance to prove it will be worth the investment.

“What I would say to those who voted against the fire dues, I hope we can prove you wrong through excellent service,” said Lt. Franklin.

The increase will begin in October 2026. That’s when Lakeview district homeowners will begin paying $150 per year. Commercial rates are already in place, and that amount is based on the square footage of the business.

According to Lt. Franklin, the added funds will generate an additional $300,000 per year for the Lakeview district.

“We can put one additional firefighter on duty every 24 hours. We will be able to buy a new apparatus to improve response times,” said Lt. Franklin.

Not to mention plans to improve the medical care response, in terms of training licensure.

Franklin said the new dues will automatically rise $5 every two years to help sustain the operation.

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