The owner of any such building above feeling aggrieved by a charge or fee for fire protection service may protest the same by giving written notice under oath to the Treasurer setting forth his or her objections on or before 35 days after the billing date. The owner shall present information and documentation to the Treasurer concerning his or her objections with regard to the charge or fee for fire protection service. The Treasurer shall consider the information and documentation and make a determination concerning the appropriate charge or fee to be assessed. If the owner is not satisfied with the Treasurer’s determination, the owner may continue the protest by notifying the Treasurer in writing and paying a non-returnable filing fee of $50. Upon receipt of such protest, the Treasurer shall report the same to the Fire Service Fee Appeals Board, which shall set a date within 30 days of the filing of the protest for a hearing thereon. Any such owner shall have the right to be heard concerning such protest in person or by an attorney at such hearing. The Fire Service Fee Appeals Board shall render its decision based on the record made at the hearing within a reasonable time, giving notice in writing of its decision to all parties concerned. Any decision made by the Fire Service Fee Appeals Board shall not have any bearing on the valuation placed on property by the Harrison County Assessor. The amount, if any, due the town under such decision shall be due and payable 30 days after service of the decision. Any person aggrieved by such decision may, within 30 days from the service of the decision, file a petition duly verified with the Circuit Court of Harrison County, requesting review certiorari; otherwise, such decision becomes final and conclusive.
(Ord. 2022-04, passed 6-14-2022)