HB681 Alabama 2013 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Mark Tuggle
Republican
Co-Sponsor: Barry Mask
Session: Regular Session 2013
Title: Elmore Co., and Tallapoosa Co., formation of districts for fire protection and emergency medical services near Lake Martin authorized, formation fee
Summary: HB681 would create the South Lake Martin Fire District in Elmore and Tallapoosa Counties to provide fire protection and emergency medical services near Lake Martin, funded by a new Family and Home Protection service charge.
What This Bill Does
The bill authorizes establishing a district to support existing Willow Point/Ourtown and Windermere fire districts and to provide enhanced fire and EMS services near Lake Martin. It requires a petition from at least 50 qualified property owners representing at least 25% of the district’s acreage to trigger an election, which may also include a referendum on a service charge. If voters approve, a seven-member board is appointed from county officials and district groups to govern the district, which would be tax-exempt and able to levy service charges collected by the counties’ revenue offices to fund fire protection and EMS. The district can have subdistricts (including volunteer departments) with budgets and minimum funding, and it includes a process to abolish the district if certain conditions are met.

Who It Affects
Property owners within the proposed South Lake Martin Fire District boundaries, who may be subject to a service charge (Family and Home Protection fee) if approved, with eligibility based on ownership thresholds and a property lien for nonpayment.
Elmore and Tallapoosa County governments and voters, who would handle and fund the district’s election, maintenance of services, and funding mechanisms through the service charge.
Existing fire districts Willow Point/Ourtown and Windermere, which would become associated subdistricts within the new district and receive funding allocations and representation on the governing board.

Key Provisions
Establishment of the South Lake Martin Fire District in Elmore and Tallapoosa Counties to provide fire protection and emergency medical services and to support Willow Point/Ourtown and Windermere Fire Districts.
Defined proposed area (two tracts) around Lake Martin within the two counties, with specific boundaries described in the bill.
Requirement that a petition be signed by 50 qualified property owners representing at least 25% of district acreage to call an election; a $2,500 filing fee funds voter list creation; qualified voters are the property owners identified on tax rolls.
Election on establishing the district; a separate referendum may be held on levying a service charge (Family and Home Protection fee) if requested in the petition; a majority vote is needed for creation and for any service charge changes.
A seven-member board of directors with specific appointment rules from county officials, legislators, and existing district boards; officers elected from within the board; no compensation but expense reimbursement.
District powers include contracting for fire and EMS, acquiring and disposing of property, lending or borrowing, and levying service charges (subject to referendum approval); the district is tax-exempt and enjoys broad corporate powers.
Service charges are collected by the county revenue commissioners, used for fire protection and EMS, and backed by liens on property; districts must be bonded to cover three times annual revenue.
Subdistricts (including Willow Point/Ourtown and Windermere) may remain and must receive budget allocations (minimum $45,000 per calendar year) from the district’s service charge revenues.
Abolition process requires a petition signed by at least 300 qualified property owners; an election would decide whether to abolish the district, with the district remaining debt-free.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Elmore County