Richmond Hill agrees to $5 million settlement over fire fee lawsuit

RICHMOND HILL, Ga. (WTOC) - Richmond Hill homeowners who paid the city's fire fee could be getting some money back. The lawsuit, Joshua Lanier v. City of Richmond Hill, Georgia, is playing out in Bryan County Superior Court. It argues the city's Fire Fee amounted to an illegal tax because it was charged as a flat fee instead of being based on property value, which is what Georgia law requires. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Fire fee on the table for Richmond Hill According to the lawsuit, the city's Fire Fee Ordinance says the fee was meant 'to ensure adequate cost recovery for operation of the fire services provided,' and that the money collected could only go toward fire prevention and firefighting. You're likely part of the class if you're a Richmond Hill taxpayer who paid a Fire Fee anytime between Nov. 7, 2018, and whenever the settlement gets final approval. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Richmond Hill City Council promises to tweak fire fee A few people are left out: attorneys or law firms currently suing another Georgia city or county over similar fees, current Richmond Hill City Council members, and the mayor. If a judge signs off, the city has agreed to set up a $5 million refund fund. It'll come in two payments — $2 million within 15 days of final approval, and the remaining $3 million by Jan. 10, 2027. Refunds will be split based on how much each person paid into the fire fee compared to everyone else in the class. Most people should get back somewhere between 60% and 100% of what they paid, minus fees and expenses. If you still own the property tied to your refund, you don't have to do anything — the lawsuit said a check should just come to you. If you've since sold the property, the lawsuit said you'll need to fill out a claim form. The settlement administrator expects to have individual refund amounts figured out within nine months after the judge signs the final order. Anyone who wants to push back on the settlement, the attorneys' fees or Lanier's service payment had to send a written objection by June 1, 2026, to the Bryan County Clerk of Superior Court, class counsel and the city's attorneys. The notice spells out exactly what needs to be included. You can't opt out of the settlement entirely, but you can object in writing. Read full class action lawsuit below: