TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Tallahassee city commissioners heard TFD Fire Chief Gene Sanders’ five-year strategic plan Wednesday, followed by a heated debate over Leon County’s Benesch report on fire services.
City leaders called the county’s report “flawed and overstated by $21.2 million.” They also said they were not consulted during the process and claimed none of the people who produced the report are accountants.
Sanders said fire and rescue calls have increased significantly over the past five years, and his plan reflects that. It includes seven goals to improve response times and emergency coverage, enhance personnel, advance technology and data capabilities, and strengthen recruitment.
Although it wasn’t part of his strategic plan, Sanders also addressed the interlocal agreement with the county as commissioners asked what comes next.
City Commissioner Jack Porter asked how the two sides would work through the issues moving forward.
“Although there have clearly been issues, it’s worked. So how are we going to work through these practical realities as we move forward?” Porter asked.
Sanders said the current agreement is based on the commission’s direction not to renew it in 2028.
“It is written based on the direction that this board not to renew the interlocal agreement in 2028. So any decision for us to respond in the unincorporated areas would be a decision made by this board, and then we will adjust accordingly,” Sanders said.
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The city then presented its response to the county’s report, with Mayor John Dailey expressing frustration with the county’s handling of the issue.
“I am disappointed in the behavior of certain county commissioners, including the chairman, for gaslighting this community on false narratives; we expect better as the city of Tallahassee. Yes, this is a big issue, but this is not a way to come to an agreement to move forward,” Dailey said.
The debate comes just one day after Leon County commissioners held a workshop to discuss fire services and how to move forward with the city.
County commissioners voted to try to renegotiate the contract while also preparing for the possibility of creating their own fire services if they cannot reach an agreement.
It remains to be seen whether the city is willing to renegotiate.
WCTV reached out to Leon County Commission Chairman Christian Caban for a response to the mayor’s remarks. Caban responded, “A hit dog will holler.”
During Wednesday’s meeting, city commissioners also approved a federal grant to provide the Tallahassee Police Department with communications equipment to help during hurricanes and other major emergencies.
They also approved a historical sign to be installed along Drs. R.B. and Gloria P. Holmes Street, between North Adams Street and North Copeland Street, recognizing the historical significance of West Virginia Street.
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