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Commissioners amend proposed property-tax credit for volunteer firefighters to start at $250
Summary
At a Nov. 25 public hearing, Caroline County commissioners heard volunteer testimony and voted to amend Legislative Bill 2025-014 to set a $250 starting property-tax credit for active volunteer firefighters, increasing by $50 annually to a $500 cap; the amended bill returns for third reading Dec. 9.
Caroline County commissioners on Nov. 25 held a public hearing on Legislative Bill 2025-014, a proposed property-tax credit for dwellings owned and occupied by active volunteer firefighters. The hearing included public testimony from volunteer firefighters and a discussion among commissioners about whether the ordinance should include a dollar amount or leave the amount to an annual resolution.
Wayne Frederick, a Denton resident with decades of volunteer service, urged the commission to take action to support recruitment and retention. "For those who don't know me, I have 37 years in fire service here in Denton in Carolina County," Frederick said, recounting increased training requirements, rising costs and volunteer shortages in rural departments.
Commissioners debated the fiscal and procedural implications of embedding a credit amount in the ordinance versus setting it annually through the budget process. County counsel and finance staff said the current draft leaves the amount to a resolution, which allows annual adjustment; some commissioners said including a starting figure would provide clearer expectations for both fire companies and budget planners.
A motion was made, seconded and approved by voice vote to amend the bill to begin the credit at $250 and increase it each year by $50 until the credit reaches a $500 cap. The commission directed staff to draft the amendment language so an amended bill will be available for the commissioners and public at the Dec. 9 meeting, the date scheduled for the third reading and potential enactment.
Speakers during the hearing emphasized volunteer recruitment and the financial strain on smaller municipalities. Commissioners asked staff to model budget impacts and to coordinate with town officials and the Fire and EMS Association on implementation details and LOSAP interactions.
Next steps: staff will prepare the written amended bill and make it available before the Dec. 9 meeting, when the commission may amend again or enact the ordinance.
