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Commissioners certify 2024 LOSAP eligibility list and ask staff to study ‘LOSAP Plus’ incentives
Summary
The board certified the 2024 Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) eligibility list and directed staff to analyze a proposed LOSAP Plus incentive program that would give stipends or tax credits to active volunteers.
The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County certified the 2024 eligibility list for the Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) for volunteer fire, rescue and ALS companies and asked staff to study a new incentive concept informally dubbed “LOSAP Plus.”
Department of Human Resources staff presented the certified list and explained that the LOSAP ordinance requires an executive committee review before commissioners certify the eligible volunteer list for posting at stations. Commissioners moved to approve the list and the motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Mike Hewitt outlined a separate proposal — LOSAP Plus — aimed at recruiting and retaining active first responders who have not yet reached the LOSAP 20‑year threshold. Hewitt described a three‑tiered incentive structure under consideration: a first tier for volunteers who meet the 50‑point minimum, awarding either a $1,000 stipend or a $1,000 property‑tax credit at the recipient’s election; a second tier tied to call activity (for example 100 calls or 20% of calls) for an additional stipend; and a third tier for higher call volumes approaching a $3,000 maximum. “We would award them either a thousand dollar stipend or a thousand dollars on their property tax at their election,” Hewitt said.
Commissioners asked Human Resources and the deputy county administrator to drill into costs, eligibility rules and legal constraints, including how paid county employees who volunteer would be treated (county staff indicated paid employees who receive pay for the same work do not qualify for volunteer LOSAP benefits). Staff agreed to prepare a fiscal analysis and options for a possible pilot program; commissioners reached consensus to direct that work.
Why this matters: Commissioners described LOSAP Plus as a recruitment and retention tool aimed at active responders who run calls and provide critical front‑line coverage; the concept is intended to strengthen volunteer ranks and leadership pipelines.
What’s next: Staff will return with a cost and legal analysis, including options for pilot implementation and recommended funding sources. The certified 2024 LOSAP eligibility list will be posted as required under the ordinance.
