Melissa Donovan
In an effort to address rising operational costs and stave off potential tax increases, Oviedo Mayor Megan Sladek is calling for a public discussion on consolidating the city’s fire and police services with Seminole County.
Sladek says the idea stems from a long-term concern about the city’s financial sustainability. According to Oviedo’s 2024 Annual Financial Report, the city spent approximately $22 million to operate its independent police and fire departments, while bringing in about $20 million in ad valorem property taxes—the city’s primary source of revenue.
Breaking down the costs, Oviedo allocated roughly $12.3 million for law enforcement and $9.6 million for fire services in 2024. Sladek believes that merging with county-run services could offer a potential solution to what she describes as a “complex accounting problem” that could lead to budget deficits or increased taxes if left unaddressed.
If Oviedo were to proceed with consolidation, it would follow the path of neighboring Seminole County municipalities Winter Springs, Casselberry, and Altamonte Springs, all of which have integrated their fire departments with the county’s system.
However, not everyone supports the proposal. The Oviedo Professional Firefighters Union, Local 3476, has voiced strong opposition to the idea. In a recent Facebook post, the union emphasized its commitment to the community and cited a cost comparison suggesting the city’s fire department operates more efficiently than the county’s.
“Every firefighter that we have loves coming to work every single day and serving the citizens of Oviedo, and we hope that it stays that way for a long, long time. According to the last budget meeting we were also $969,273 cheaper to run than Seminole County Fire Department.”
The discussion remains in early stages, with no formal proposal on the table yet. As city leaders evaluate long-term budget strategies, consolidation remains one of several options being considered to manage Oviedo’s growing public safety expenses.
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