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Lower Pottsgrove to pursue volunteer firefighter tax-abatement ordinance after board backs drafting
Summary
The Lower Pottsgrove Board authorized drafting an ordinance to offer volunteer firefighters up to a 100% real-estate tax rebate and a $100 earned-income-tax rebate, following discussion of Montgomery Countycriteria and Act 172 of 2016. The board unanimously approved moving the draft forward.
Commissioner Robert Mohollen said the township should adopt a tax-abatement program to encourage volunteerism among local fire companies.
Solicitor Jamie Ottaviano told the board he reviewed Act 172 of 2016 and neighboring municipalitiesordinances and has begun drafting language modeled on the county point system used to measure volunteer service. "I have begun drafting an Ordinance based upon Montgomery County and other local municipalities," Ottaviano said.
Sanatoga Fire Chief Eric Linsenbigler described how the countypoint system counts calls and training — for example, calls are typically worth two points and routine training is counted as one point per four hours — and said members are already tracking points to reach higher credit tiers.
Commissioners discussed whether the township should offer a real-estate tax credit, an earned-income-tax (EIT) credit, or both. Mohollen proposed a 100% rebate on Lower Pottsgrove Township property tax and a $100 EIT rebate; he estimated a current fiscal impact of roughly $4,000to $5,000 for Sanatoga Fire Company and up to $10,000 if Ringing Hill Fire Company participation is included.
Commissioner Michael McGroarty and Commissioner William Keohane asked staff to examine revenue impacts and distribution mechanics, and Solicitor Ottaviano said he would compare county practice and return with a draft ordinance for the board to review. "We could offer a real estate tax credit and an EIT credit, which some volunteers would qualify for both," Ottaviano said.
Commissioner Mohollen moved to authorize Solicitor Ottaviano to continue drafting an ordinance that would allow qualifying volunteer firefighters and EMS members to receive up to a 100% rebate on Lower Pottsgrove Township property tax and up to a $100 EIT rebate; Commissioner Keohane seconded. The motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
The board directed staff to consult Ringing Hill and Sanatoga fire companies as the draft is prepared and to clarify distribution mechanics so the rebate cannot exceed amounts actually paid.
