Leonardtown volunteer rescue squad granted public hearing on proposed rescue tax increase

The St. Mary’s County commissioners on Feb. 11 authorized the Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad to hold a public hearing on proposed increases to the squad’s rescue tax, moving the request into the county’s FY 2026 budget process.

The request, presented by Danny Bowles, president of the Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad, asks the commissioners to allow a public hearing on March 4 at 6:30 p.m. on raising the squad’s rescue tax from 0.9 cents to 3 cents per $100 of assessed value. Bowles told commissioners the change would boost annual revenue for the squad from about $261,000 to an estimated $871,000.

Bowles said the squad needs the additional revenue to cover rising operating costs and planned capital outlays. "Hope is not a strategy, and relying on fundraising and donations is very much a reliance on hope," he said, describing increased prices for ambulances and equipment, higher fuel and workers’ compensation costs, and needed repairs or a replacement of the squad’s building.

Nut graf: The hearing was approved by voice vote after commissioners said they want thorough documentation from the squad; the board will incorporate public hearing results into its recommended FY 2026…