Commissioners adopt changes to volunteer real estate tax rebate to ease eligibility and recognize military service

The Chester County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted amendments to the volunteer real estate tax rebate ordinance (BOC-2301), following a public hearing and a departmental presentation that sought to improve recruitment and retention for fire and EMS volunteers.

Bill Messerschmitt, director of emergency services, told the board the ordinance—originally established in 2023—was revised to add clearer definitions of volunteer roles, adjust point categories to improve tracking, slightly lower point thresholds to increase volunteers’ chances of qualifying for higher rebates, and include an explicit carve-out for volunteers who miss points while on active military or reserve duty. Messerschmitt said the changes had been developed with county fire and EMS leadership and specifically thanked Chief John Sligh of the Fire Chiefs Association for support.

Messerschmitt outlined program scale, saying that in 2025 there were 607 volunteers eligible for a rebate. Supporters in the hearing told the board the rebate helps sustain volunteerism, particularly where paid staffing is limited. No opposition speakers came forward during the hearing portion.

Following public comment, a motion to adopt ordinance 2025-05 (amending BOC-2301) was made and seconded; the board approved the ordinance by voice vote.

Next steps indicated in the meeting were to implement the technical changes to tracking and communications with volunteer organizations so eligible members understand the adjusted thresholds and the military carve-out.