Frostproof Fire Fee Increases; Advances Septic-to-Sewer Work; Ramon Theater gala scheduled for November 7
FROSTPROOF — The Frostproof City Council approved a fire assessment rate increase for the coming fiscal year and moved forward on two state-funded septic-to-sewer conversion projects during its June 1 regular meeting.
The council unanimously approved Resolution 2026-05, setting fire protection assessment rates for fiscal year 2026-2027. Single-family residential properties will be assessed $410 annually. Commercial properties will be assessed at $0.16 per square foot, institutional properties at $0.13 per square foot, and industrial and warehouse properties at $0.04 per square foot. The rates represent a 61.25% increase over the prior fiscal year.
Council Member Austin Gravley said the increase was warranted because taxes have not been raised in recent years. He also said he would like to see plans developed for a new fire station.
The council also approved a new 457(b) deferred compensation plan for city employees through the Florida Municipal Trust Fund after the city’s previous provider, Nelson Financial, announced it would no longer manage such plans.
On the agenda for the June 15 meeting, the council is set to consider amendments to the city’s comprehensive plan, the first update since the last evaluation cycle, as required by state law every seven years.
The council is also scheduled to vote on amendments to engineering contracts for two active septic-to-sewer conversion projects funded by Florida Department of Environmental Protection grants. The West 9th Street project has a total contract value of $433,800, and the Wood Avenue and Palmetto Avenue projects have a total contract value of $266,500. Both projects are being handled by Kimley-Horn.
City Manager Nicole McDowell told the council the Clinch Lake Stormwater Project state appropriation remains in the state budget and is awaiting the governor’s signature. She said results from a recent trip to Washington, D.C. were promising, with funding approval expected within two weeks.
Council Member Adam Greenway called on the city to advertise for an experienced city clerk. The first budget workshop for fiscal year 2026-2027 is scheduled for July 7 at 1 p.m.
The Ramon Theater Gala, planned for Nov. 7, received council approval for a road closure on East Wall Street from Scenic Highway to the alleyway from 3 to 11 p.m.
Source: City of Frostproof Regular City Council Meeting agenda, June 15, 2026, and meeting minutes, June 1, 2026. Published by City Clerk Nicole McDowell. Photo Credit: Ramon Theater, Frostproof, Florida. Photo by Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
