Crystal River, Florida – The Crystal River City Council and staff met on Monday, June 10, 2024, to discuss ways to maintain police and fire services if voters approve a proposed property tax overhaul in November. City Manager Audra Curts asked council members for direction on planning efforts related to the proposal.
Curts said she believes Crystal River is in a better position than many governments because of its conservative budgeting practices. “I believe that the city of Crystal River can do this,” Curts said. “We just have to be very thoughtful and decisive in how we do these things.” One area under consideration is the future funding of the city’s fire department. Curts asked the council for consensus to move forward with a study examining whether Crystal River should adopt a fire assessment similar to Citrus County’s system. Under that approach, property owners would pay a flat assessment dedicated to fire services rather than relying solely on property tax revenue.
The city is exploring options to preserve police and fire services, including a possible fire assessment. The Crystal River Fire Department and Citrus County Fire Rescue have been working together to provide services to the community. The city council will continue to discuss the proposal and potential impacts on services.
Residents can learn more about the proposed property tax overhaul and the city’s planning efforts at the Crystal River City Council meetings. For more information, visit the city’s website or contact City Manager Audra Curts directly.
Originally reported by Citrus County Chronicle – Crystal River
Sources: Citrus County Chronicle – Crystal River
