SB481 Summary

• Authorizes the formation of the South Lake Martin Fire District in Elmore and Tallapoosa Counties to provide fire protection and emergency medical services and support to the Willow Point/Ourtown Fire District and Windermere Fire District.

• District establishment requires a petition signed by 50 qualified property owners representing at least 25% of district acreage, with a $2,500 filing fee per county, followed by voter approval through majority vote in a referendum election.

• Establishes a seven-member board of directors appointed by county commissioners, legislative delegations, fire district boards, and the Windermere Fire Chief, with one additional member selected by the six appointed members.

• Authorizes the district to assess a Family and Home Protection fee on qualified property owners, collectible by county revenue commissioners, with mandatory minimum $45,000 annual allocation to existing volunteer fire departments operating as subdistricts.

• District property and bonds are exempt from state and local taxation; the district may be abolished only by majority voter approval when debt-free and upon petition by at least 300 qualified property owners.