The core funding of fire services should be through ad valorem taxes. Period. Additional funding can come from special assessments such as for the construction of a new fire station in a developing area, or via grants from the state or federal government. Day-to-day operations must come from ad valorem taxes.

The advantage to the homeowner is that for homesteaded properties, those whose deductions exceed the standard deduction can deduct their ad valorem taxes from their federal income tax.

Regardless of how these necessary services are funded, our tax burden is too great. There is no justification for both the city and county awarding across-the-board raises to all city or county workers and awarding huge raises and bonuses to higher level employees. They are incredibly poor stewards of our money and it is time for us to slow the flow of money to the government. Amendment 3 does just that. Vote yes on 3!