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Town approves higher tax abatement for Scotland volunteer firefighters after brief debate
Summary
Voters approved an ordinance increasing the Scotland Volunteer Fire Department volunteer tax abatement from $1,500 to the maximum allowable $2,000 after discussion about eligibility and a failed attempt to move the question to a paper ballot.
Scotland voters approved an ordinance to raise the tax abatement for Scotland Volunteer Fire Department (SVFD) volunteers from the town’s current $1,500 to the maximum allowable $2,000.
Scott Cormier, president of the SVFD, explained that the town already offers the deduction and that the proposed ordinance would increase the maximum amount. He said not every volunteer receives the full amount; distribution is based on participation metrics such as attendance at calls, trainings and meetings.
Several attendees sought clarification on eligibility and distribution. Blair Rollin and Rob Brautigam asked for a more detailed explanation of how individuals earn the abatement; Kevin Ring reviewed participation data going back to 2020. Linda Rollin moved to take the question to a paper ballot (seconded by Blair Rollin); that motion failed 4-YES, 61-NO. On the original ordinance to raise the abatement, the vote passed 64-YES, 3-NO.
The ordinance increases the maximum volunteer tax abatement amount to $2,000; the meeting record indicates distribution remains tied to attendance and program participation rather than an automatic payment to all volunteers.
