Most people wouldn't mind pay a few extra dollars a year if it helped keep them and their home safe, but for some people already struggling to get by, an additional fee could mean the difference between staying in their home and not being able to afford their mortgage.
The city of Gainesville passed a fire assessment fee last year to help maintain public safety services but they never intended it to adversely affect low income homeowners, so they came up with a plan that frees up funding for low income seniors and low income households.
The application is due by march first and can be submitted on line or at city hall.
An additional assistance program for non-profits will be available later this year and a ten percent credit is available for homes and buildings that have a sprinkler system installed.
For more information on all of these programs visit City Of Gainesville