Council considers expanding volunteer tax credit to include training, meetings and fundraising

Summary

Columbia Borough officials and volunteer fire department members discussed proposed edits to the borough's volunteer service tax credit that would add training, meeting and fundraising hours to eligibility. Council directed staff to add an appeal route and clarifying language before the ordinance is advanced.

Columbia Borough Council on April 1 heard a detailed presentation and public comment on proposed changes to the borough's volunteer service tax credit that would broaden which volunteer activities qualify for a credit against borough taxes.

The most substantive discussion came from Matt Phillips, representing the Columbia Volunteer Fire Department, who outlined the practical reasons for the change and what it would mean for the department's roster. "We're trying to get everyone having a chance to to get a tax credit," Phillips said, describing recent growth in training and meetings tied to equipment procurement and higher certification levels.

The proposed revision would add meeting hours, fundraising and advanced training to the existing eligibility categories, which previously focused on emergency calls and basic administrative duties. Staff said the change would likely add only a small number of additional…

Council considers expanding volunteer tax credit to include training, meetings and fundraising

Summary

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