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Colonial SD committee backs Act 91 volunteer tax credit proposal; recommends $500 credit for first year
Summary
Committee members heard a proposal to adopt an Act 91 volunteer tax credit for firefighters, fire police and EMS volunteers in the district's three boroughs/townships, with a proposed $500 credit for 2025‑26 and a tentative July board resolution date; staff estimated participation and budget impact.
The Colonial School District finance committee on March 3 discussed a proposed Act 91 tax credit program to provide a local property tax credit to volunteer firefighters, fire police and EMS responders who meet participation criteria.
Staff said the proposal would apply to volunteers within Conshohocken Borough, Plymouth Township and Whitemarsh Township and that district officials consulted volunteer fire chiefs and neighboring districts. The initial credit proposed for the 2025‑26 school year is $500 per eligible volunteer; staff cited examples in other districts where Lower Merion offers $1,500 and Methacton (reported in the meeting as "Missactin") offers $500. Participation would require chief verification that a volunteer met a 25% threshold for active calls and trainings. Staff estimated an initial budget impact of about $20,000 based on current rosters and suggested limiting the first year to one credit per household (one credit per parcel).
Committee members asked questions about application mechanics, whether two volunteers in the same household would be eligible and how the district would verify activity. Staff said the application would require the volunteer to apply and for the local chief to attest to participation levels; if the board approves, staff proposes bringing a resolution to the July board meeting for formal adoption. Staff said participation rates in comparable districts were roughly 50–55% of active members eligible in year one.
The committee approved moving the item forward for board consideration; staff will place a resolution on the July 20 board agenda and monitor volunteer participation year to year.
