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Scotland approves tax abatement for volunteer firefighters and funds gear washer
Summary
The Scotland Board of Selectmen approved a tax-abatement program for volunteer firefighters — eligibility requires responding to 15% of calls and abatements capped at $1,500 — and authorized $12,000 from CNR (leftover FEMA funds) to buy an NFPA/OSHA‑required gear washer and dryer.
At its Feb. 26 meeting the Scotland Board of Selectmen approved a tax-abatement program for members of the Scotland Volunteer Fire Department and authorized purchase of gear-cleaning equipment.
Kevin Ring Sr., a member of the fire department, presented the abatement proposal, saying members who respond to at least 15% of calls would qualify for a property-tax abatement capped at $1,500 per member. Selectman Bart Laws moved to approve the program; First Selectman Dana Barrow Jr. seconded and the motion carried. Selectman Michael Gurnack abstained from the vote.
The board also approved a CNR (capital nonrecurring) expenditure of $12,000 to buy a gear washer and dryer, funding the purchase with leftover FEMA money from an earlier SCBA purchase. The equipment was described as part of the department’s capital-improvement list and necessary to meet NFPA/OSHA requirements. Bart Laws made the motion to authorize the CNR spending; Dana Barrow Jr. seconded. The motion carried with Mike Gurnack abstaining.
Treasurer David Zito had earlier presented the town’s budget outlook for fiscal 2025–26 and noted state cutbacks and changes to motor-vehicle valuation that could reduce town revenues; no changes to the abatement program or the gear purchase were tied to the budget presentation. The gear-washer purchase will proceed as an approved capital item on the department’s list.
