Why do I have to pay fire dues?
Fire Districts are allowed to charge mandatory fire dues. Lakeview Fire Protection District was established in 1988 to levy and collect service charges or fees as provided in Act No. 86-656 of the regular session of the 1986 Alabama Legislature Session.
What happens if I don’t pay fire dues?
Delinquent accounts are turned over to our attorney for collections including a lien.
Does everyone pay fire dues?
If you are exempt from paying county property taxes on a property you are exempt from fire dues on that same property.
What if I just can’t pay?
If you cannot pay, please contact the business office at billing@lakeviewfire.org to let us know. We can find a way to work with you.
What are fire dues used for?
Fire dues cover everything from the trucks to fuel to hoses and everything in between.
What are the current fire due rates?
Are fire dues tax deductible?
Yes, fire dues are tax deductible
If I have a question about my fire dues or I have a dispute, what should I do?
Contact the business office at billing@lakeviewfire.org. If you would like to request part or all of your debt be released and you do not qualify for exemption, only the board of Directors can approve this. Email contactus@lakeview.org to request the board review your case.
How can the fire district place a lien on my property?
Fire District’s are created under a Legislative act (Act No. 86-656 amended to Act 97-665) that allows the district to charge a fee to fund the fire district. The amount of the fee is set by a vote of the community served. The legislative act also allows the fire district to place a lien on property for non-payment. The lien is attached to the parcel and follows the parcel. If there is a lien against the property and the owner sells without clearing the lien, the lien is still attached to the parcel and becomes the responsibility of the new owner. Lien can prevent the sale or refinancing of the property. Liens are usually collected when a property is sold.
Before filing a lien, the district mails the initial invoice, a second notice, and a final notice. The notices are mailed to the address of record for the owner and physical address if different.
Non-payment of the lien may lead to legal action against the property owner to collect on the lien. This must be done through the courts.