Frequently Asked Questions

Approval for a proposed increase in the fire protection assessment for properties within The Villages Fire Protection District. The proposed resolution is by request of The Village Center Community Development District and due to the findings in the above-mentioned consultant review.

• Fire protection services are provided through an agreement with The Villages Center Community Development District.

• The report recommends applying the same assessment methodology to Lake Service Area properties, resulting in a unified rate structure of approximately $320.71 per residential unit across all jurisdictions serviced by the Villages Public Safety Department. This includes portions of Lake County, Fruitland Park, Leesburg, and The Villages of Lady Lake.

• This assessment helps fund fire protection services such as fire stations, equipment, personnel, and emergency response within the town.
• Fire Assessments are composed of two things: Readiness/Availability, which is allocated per parcel, and Demand for Service, allocated per Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU), guided by broad categories identified in calls for service. 
  • Readiness is characterized by administrative costs, readiness labor/salaries, capital equipment and building costs.
  • Demand is characterized by operational mobilization including response salaries and overhead expenses, response costs, operational (capital) equipment and supplies.
• The study found the benefits received are proportionate to the costs.

• Residential properties: previously $124 per single-family residential unit annually; proposed to increase to $320.71 annually per single family residential unit
• Vacant properties: No fee for FY 25/26

• The proposed increased assessment would affect properties located in The Villages Fire Protection Special Assessment District within The Villages of Lady Lake.

• A TRIM (Truth in Millage) will be mailed to affected property owners with details about the assessment.
• The Town will publish additional information and allow time for public input before adoption.
• Over the next year, the County’s Villages Fire assessment area will reconstitute into a uniform Municipal Services Benefit Unit (MSBU) covering the entire Villages Public Safety Department service area, including areas within Town limits, to impose assessments for FY 26/27 and beyond. This will eliminate the need for the town/district interlocal agreement.