Melbourne Beach could start paying firefighters for the first time in 71 years: 'It's time'

Melbourne Beach could start paying firefighters

For the first time in more than seven decades, taxpayers may need to start footing the bill for firefighters in Melbourne Beach.

MELBOURNE BEACH, Fla. - For the first time in more than seven decades, taxpayers may need to start footing the bill for firefighters in Melbourne Beach.

What we know:

For the first time in 71 years, Melbourne Beach is considering hiring six full-time firefighters to supplement its volunteer fire department.

The move is aimed at reducing response times, which currently range from 10 to 15 minutes, to around five minutes. The decline in volunteerism nationwide has made it difficult for the department to maintain adequate staffing levels.

If approved, the plan would cost taxpayers approximately $500,000 per year, though volunteers would still play a supporting role.

What we don't know:

The proposal is still in its early stages, and no final decision has been made. Several town meetings are planned to discuss the issue, and officials are encouraging residents to share their opinions.

It remains unclear how taxpayers will respond to the potential increase in costs or whether adjustments will be made to the plan before a final vote.

The backstory:

For more than seven decades, Melbourne Beach has relied solely on volunteer firefighters, a model that helped keep taxes low while providing essential emergency services. However, as response times have increased and recruitment has slowed, concerns about public safety have grown.

The town’s fire chief and veteran volunteers believe that bringing in full-time firefighters is now a necessary step to ensure timely emergency response.

What they're saying:

Fire Chief Gavin Brown emphasized the impact of delayed response times under the current volunteer system. He said current response times aren’t cutting it.

"What we’re looking to do is cut our response times down from 10 to 15 minutes down to five minutes," said the chief.

Longtime volunteer firefighter and Melbourne Beach resident David Micka stressed the urgency of the situation, stressing that minutes matter when lives are on the line.

"If it were me and I needed the medical attention or a fire at my house, yes I would want them there as fast as possible," said Micka.

Fellow volunteer firefighter Walter Hardman acknowledged the financial burden but underscored the need for better service.

"No one wants to pay more money. That’s a fact, but do you want the services?"

Both Hardman and Micka have volunteered for decades to help keep taxes down in the town, but say they'll pay a little more for faster response times.

"Now, it’s more critical than ever," said Micka. "The situation is such that it’s time to do."

Brown reassured residents that volunteers would still be involved but that full-time firefighters would be critical for quicker responses.

"We want to be there quickly, and our volunteers will be able to come in and back up that quick response."

What's next:

This is still early in the conversation. There are going to be several more meetings on this issue, and residents are encouraged to come out and make their opinions heard on this issue.

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