SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) -- The Sarasota County Fire Department is proposing an increase to taxpayers to make sure the necessary public safety services are provided.

"We need to be responsive to the taxpayers, we need to grow the fire department within their limitations of what we believe they expect and what they should be willing to afford," said Chief David Rathbun.

The chief said the department is asking for a 13% increase to the fire assessment rates based off the square footage of a home. The department has goals of increasing staffing, and the chief said they have work to do when it comes to response times. All firefighters are also certified as EMTs but with the same people providing both those services, it's a challenge to respond to every call.

"When all crews are on that

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