BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. --
Channel 9 found out the Brevard County Fire Department has a $16 million surplus, even though the county has been claiming a severe budget crunch forced them to charging an extra fire fee to residents.
Expert say $16 million is enough to hire 512 new firefighters, buy 93 new ambulances, 54 new fire trucks or give every Brevard County property owner a $66 refund.
The news upset some taxpayers like Roger Shealy.
"I'm very upset. We're being told that it's tight budget year," said Shealey, a Brevard County resident.
Channel 9 also uncovered a letter sent to Brevard County commissioners last year warning them that the department would end up with $21 million extra. It was recommended that the $220 fee be lowered, but the commission kept it the same.
The county chairman claims the extra money is already budgeted.
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