§ 54-84. Findings.

It is hereby ascertained, determined and declared that:

(1)

Pursuant to article VIII, section 1 of the state constitution, and F.S. §§ 125.01 and 125.66, the board has all powers of local self-government to perform county functions and to render services in a manner not inconsistent with general law and such power may be exercised by the enactment of county ordinances.

(2)

Assessable property will derive special and peculiar benefits from the levy of the fire protection assessment, resulting in, among other things, stable or decreasing insurance costs, protection of public safety, enhancement of business property and better service to landowners and tenants.

(3)

The imposition of an annual fire protection assessment is an equitable and efficient method of allocating and apportioning the fire protection cost among assessable property.

(4)

The annual fire protection assessment to be imposed pursuant to this division will constitute a non-ad valorem assessment within the meaning and intent of the Uniform Assessment Collection Act.

(5)

The fire protection assessment to be imposed pursuant to this division is imposed by the board, not the property appraiser or tax collector. The duties of the property appraiser and tax collector under the Uniform Assessment Collection Act are ministerial.

(Ord. No. 93-12, § 1.03, 7-22-93)