The need for a financial charge or tax to provide forest fire protection within the county shall be determined by the county commission after a public hearing is held thereon. Notice of the public hearing shall be given by the county commission for a period of two consecutive weeks by advertisement in a newspaper of general circulation in Lawrence County. The advertisement shall indicate the date, time, and place of the hearing, the manner proposed to finance the fire protection program, and the part of the cost of the program that is proposed to be paid by the owners of forest lands. Any person owning forest land in Lawrence County may appear in person or by attorney at such time and place and make defense against the financial charge or tax or the amount thereof. After the hearing the county commission shall determine whether or not a need exists for such a charge or tax; and if a need is found to exist for such financial charge or tax, the county commission shall determine the amount of the financial charge or tax and enter on the minutes of the county commission an order fixing the financial charge or tax.
Last modified: May 3, 2021