MFD commissioners consider terminating five in May
BY FRANKLIN HAYES Gulf Breeze News franklin@gulfbreezenews.com

Midway Fire Commissioners are working hard to right the ship that is the Midway Fire District (MFD). In an effort to keep the special taxing district afloat, commissioners are considering the termination of five employees by May 1, saving the district approximately $125,000. According to preliminary property appraisal figures, the district could be facing a shortcoming of more than $600,000 in next year's budget.

"Some other fire districts have reserves and can wait," MFD Treasurer Clyde Broome said at the March 11 meeting. "We don't have that luxury."

Fire commissioners are expecting to hear actual numbers from the Santa Rosa Property Appraiser's Office on May 1. Until then, commissioners are charged with cutting fat from their budget to avoid the inevitable funding shortfall.

"The problem is, there isn't much fat to cut," said Commissioner Joe McPherson.

Commissioners cancelled their next meeting scheduled for March 25 and delayed making a decision on layoffs because Commissioner T.J. Emma was not present.

Commissioners are also reaching out to other governments. Chief Stephen Demeter and Commissioner Buck Thackeray were present at a Gulf Breeze Area Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Committee meeting last week to share their funding plight with members present.

The next MFD meeting is scheduled for April 8 at 7 p.m.