A proposal to grant independence to the Hernando Beach Volunteer Fire Department has cleared one hurdle, but just barely. Hernando County's legislative delegation voted 3-0 last week to file a local bill that would create an independent district with the power to levy taxes. But all three state lawmakers said the proposal needs more work.
They wanted to see more meetings with the residents of Hernando Beach and Forest Glenn, the communities that would be included in the 13-square-mile district, detailed discussions with Hernando County leaders about their future plans for the county's fire services, and several changes in the bill, including a requirement that 60 percent of voters approve the district rather than 50 percent plus one vote.
When Pasco County had a discussion about fire services, county officials were at the center of the discussion, said state Sen. Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby. He asked whether that had been the case in Hernando. No, he was told.
Simpson is on a legislative committee that deals with such districts, and he noted there has been some discussion about eliminating them altogether because of accountability issues.
"I'm normally hesitant to want to do a special district within a county of Hernando County's size that could oversee this for themselves," he said. "This feels like it would be taxing this base of citizenry for what they already have expectations … they should be receiving."
State Rep. Blaise Ingoglia, R-Spring Hill, also had concerns.
He said he wanted to be sure, because of the taxing issue, that approval of the district would require a 60 percent favorable vote of residents. He also said he would like to see the vote on a general election ballot, where turnout is higher.