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Commissioners approve property‑tax credit for active volunteer firefighters; bill sets phased $250–$500 schedule
Summary
On final reading the board adopted Legislative Bill 2025‑014 to create a property‑tax credit for owner‑occupied dwellings owned by active volunteer firefighters; the credit starts at $250 and increases $50 annually to a $500 cap, with an application and verification process included in the bill.
The Caroline County commissioners adopted Legislative Bill 2025‑014 during a legislative session on Dec. 9 to establish a property‑tax credit for dwellings owned and occupied by active volunteer firefighters in the county.
County counsel (Mr. Barrow) presented the third reading and explained the bill uses a local statutory authority that allows counties to define "public safety officer" for purposes of tax‑credit eligibility. The bill establishes an application and verification procedure to ensure credits are issued only to active volunteer firefighters who meet eligibility requirements set forth in the legislation.
Under the adopted language the credit will begin at $250 and increase by $50 per year until it reaches $500. Staff explained the intent was to avoid annual lobbying at budget time and to make the increases automatic up to the cap.
After a brief procedural exchange confirming reporting and verification responsibilities, a commissioner moved and the board adopted the bill on final reading. Staff advised the effective date, if enacted, would be Jan. 24, 2026.
