The bill amends the governing structure of the Greater Naples Fire Rescue District in Collier County by updating the election process for fire commissioners. It specifies that the board will now be comprised of five commissioners with four-year staggered terms, beginning with the November 2028 election. The previous structure, which included eight members with varying term lengths, has been revised to eliminate certain seats and allow for a more streamlined election process. Additionally, the bill introduces a requirement for a referendum to be held by December 31, 2026, to determine if board members should be elected district-wide (at large) instead of from specific divisions.
Key changes include the insertion of language that clarifies the composition of the board and the election process, as well as the deletion of outdated provisions regarding the initial terms and structure of the board. The referendum will ask voters if they support the transition to district-wide elections for fire commissioners, replacing the current system that designates specific representatives from the East Naples and Golden Gate Divisions. The bill will take effect upon approval by a majority of voters in the district during the upcoming referendum.