The benefit charge is set annually by your elected Board of Fire Commissioners to support emergency services in the following year. A public hearing on the budget, benefit charge and levies for 2025 will be held October 15 at 7 p.m.

By law, the benefit charge revenue may not exceed 60% of South County Fire’s operating budget. The benefit charge for 2024 is set at 7.3% of the operating budget.

The benefit charge fee for each property is calculated using a mathematical formula based on standards developed by the National Fire Academy and Insurance Service Office.

Key factors in this formula are building square footage and use category (for example residential or commercial).

Benefit Charge Formula (PDF)

Seniors, people with disabilities, exempt properties and low-income households maintain any current exemptions they have through the county.

There is no charge for undeveloped land.

For commercial and multi-family structures, there is a discount for fire alarms and sprinkler systems.

Property owners have the right to appeal their benefit charge if they believe it is incorrect. Appeals are reviewed, and the outcomes forwarded to the Board of Fire Commissioners for action.

Learn more about how to file an appeal.