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Fire commission updates stipend timeline and warns departmental gift cards from First Citizens have been deactivated
Summary
Commissioners were told stipend paperwork will be submitted to finance next week with disbursement expected in mid‑October; staff warned that bulk gift cards issued last year via First Citizens Bank were deactivated July 7 and advised cardholders to contact the bank for a check or registration to retrieve funds.
Lancaster County fire commission staff said they expect to submit stipend paperwork to county finance next week and anticipated checks to be available for distribution in late September or early October. Staff asked department chiefs to review eligibility lists (training and run‑count requirements) and notify the commission promptly of any corrections.
Separately, staff warned that $60 gift cards distributed last year through First Citizens Bank had been deactivated as of July 7. Individuals still holding those cards were told to call the number on the back of the card to follow prompts for redemption; staff said some cardholders who registered their card information have already received a mailed check. The commission said it is working with the bank to determine whether bulk gift‑card purchases remain a viable option and that alternative approaches — such as adding amounts to stipend checks or switching vendors — may be considered if First Citizens cannot meet county needs without prohibitive cost.
Why this matters: The stipend and gift‑card arrangements affect firefighter compensation and internal revenue reporting; staff cautioned that stipend payments must comply with IRS rules that preserve non‑taxable treatment where applicable. The commission said finance and payroll remain involved in timing and compliance for stipend disbursement.
Ending: Staff asked chiefs to check emailed eligibility lists and to contact the commission immediately with corrections so stipend paperwork can be finalized and submitted to finance.
