EAST NAPLES, Fla -- The cash strapped fire district in East Naples is looking to raise your taxes. In just two weeks voters will be asked to approve a tax increase that will generate more than $3 million a year for the fire district.

Tuesday night East Naples fire officials held the second of three town hall meetings, but just one person showed up. Fire officials say it's frustrating when they just want to educate the public about the negative impacts of voting down the referendum.

East Naples resident JD Loden was the only one at Tuesday's town hall meeting. "It's actually frightening and shocking that nobody is here and I think unfortunately too many people in this district are playing golf and not paying attention," said Loden.

The last time voters approved a referendum for the East Naples Fire District was in 1983. On January 31st tax payers will be asked to vote on a referendum for a millage increase.

"If nothing is to change and we have continued decreases in revenue, in two years we will have nothing left to work with," says East Naples Fire Chief Kingman Schuldt.

Right now, taxpayers with a $100,000 home pay $150 a year or $.41 a day. If the referendum passes, that same taxpayer would pay $200 a year or $.55 a day.

Loden tells WINK News he will not support the referendum. He says, "they are tying benefits to property values."

East Naples tried to solve the budget problem last year by laying off nine firefighters. Five were hired back after a noticeable impact in response times. Chief Schuldt says if this referendum fails, a reduction in resources is inevitable and extended response times likely.

Chief Schuldt says,

"there's been significant reduction in tax revenue. We all know that and we are struggling to maintain our services. We've had a reduction of our workforce and our services and we're trying to truly meet the needs of the community."

If you want to learn more about the referendum in East Naples, there will be one more town all meeting Tuesday January 24 at 6 p.m. at the Fire Code Officials office at 2700 N. Horseshoe Drive in Naples.