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Council weighs options for benefits to non‑resident volunteer firefighters
Summary
Council discussed whether non‑resident volunteers at Sardis Volunteer Fire Company can receive municipal tax credits or stipends; manager said legal limits tie the credit to residency and reciprocity agreements would be needed, and staff will research possible alternatives.
A council discussion focused on whether non‑resident volunteers who serve at Sardis Volunteer Fire Company should receive municipal benefits. The item was raised by a councilmember asking how the municipality might provide something to active non‑resident volunteers who currently do not qualify for the volunteer service‑credit tax benefit.
Chief Administrator Michael described legal limitations and practical complications. “It would be difficult for us to provide tax relief to someone who resides in another community,” he said, explaining the municipal service‑credit program is tied to residency and that extending the credit to non‑residents would likely require intergovernmental reciprocity agreements. He said an alternative approach could be a small stipend, but noted the tax‑credit is based on an individual’s tax liability and earnings, so a flat stipend could create inequity for existing resident volunteers who receive varying credits.
Council discussed next steps: staff will research models used elsewhere, examine potential reciprocity agreements with neighboring municipalities, and return with options. No formal policy change was enacted at the meeting.
