Harford County Council unanimously raises volunteer LOSAP benefits, citing recruitment and cost savings

The Harford County Council on June 9 approved an amendment to the county's Length of Service Award Program, raising the monthly benefit for eligible volunteer firefighters from $325 to $375.

Council President Vincenti opened the public hearing by thanking the county's volunteer firefighters and outlining the program's history, noting prior changes in 2020 and 2022 and that the program was established in 1975. He said the county auditor reported 788 payees in the system and that the proposed increase would add about $550,000 in annual cost to the LOAP trust fund.

Why it matters: Supporters said the increase is a modest but important retention and recruitment tool for a system that saves the county money compared with a fully career fire service. "Our volunteers continue to be the backbone of our fire service," Council President Vincenti said in his presentation. Fire chiefs and company presidents who testified described heavy call volumes, significant demands on volunteers' time and training, and the program's role in keeping experienced members engaged.

Volunteer testimony and council response: Christopher Gibbons, president of the Fallston Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Company, recounted his decades of service and told the council LOAP was often a deciding benefit for members who remain active for decades. Scott Hurst, speaking as a company chief, said Harford County volunteers provide services that otherwise would cost the county hundreds of millions of dollars; he urged the council to accept the increase even if the money must be reallocated.

Fiscal context: The administration and council members noted the program's cost implications. Council members pressed the administration's representative about budget trade-offs, and the county treasurer's notes were cited in public remarks. Supporters argued the program is cost-effective compared with a full-time paid fire service, which they said could cost more than $200 million in the first year if adopted countywide.

Vote and next steps: The council adopted Bill 26010 by a 7-0 vote during the legislative session later that evening. The ordinance increases the monthly base benefit to $375 for eligible volunteers; the county will implement the change through the LOAP trust fund and actuarial processes. The council and staff said they will continue monitoring fiscal impacts and may consider additional measures to support volunteer recruitment and retention.

The council noted the program's long history and the need to plan for future staffing models while preserving volunteer capacity. The LOAP amendment takes effect per the implementation schedule in the ordinance, and the council recorded the vote at the June 9 legislative session.