Margate Commission Agrees Not to Raise Fire Assessment Rate

by David Volz July 3, 2025

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Margate-Coconut Creek Fire Rescue {Aiden Palmer}

Following a contentious discussion and concerns from the public, the commission agreed to keep the fire assessment rate at $300 per residential unit during the July 2 meeting.

Before the meeting began, the city administration suggested an increase to $373. Vice Mayor Antonio Arserio stated that an increase was necessary, either this year or in the coming years, to cover the rising costs of operating a fire department.

Commissioner Anthony Caggiano stated that the rate should be increased to $352 because the fire department requires additional funding. Commissioner Tommy Ruzzano strongly disagreed with the increase.

A large group of residents attended the meeting to show support for not increasing the rate. Residents told the commission that many people in Margate are struggling to pay their basic bills, and a rate increase would exacerbate their financial difficulties.

Following this decision, the commission cannot increase the rate.

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David Volz

David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.