§ 29-54. Findings of benefit and apportionment.

It is hereby ascertained, determined and declared that:

(1)

Pursuant to F.S. § 125.271, a county that is within a rural area of critical economic concern as designated by the Governor of Florida pursuant to F.S. § 288.0656, may fund the costs of emergency medical services through the levy of an EMS tax assessment.

(2)

The county is located within a rural area of critical economic concern as designated by the Governor of Florida in Executive Order No. 06-34, 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: (i) protecting the life and safety of intended occupants in the use and enjoyment of property; and (ii) 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. 2009-03, § 1.04, 7-29-09)