Harford County Council overrides veto to raise LOSAP benefits for volunteer firefighters

Harford County Council voted 5-1 on a motion to override the county executive's veto of Bill 26-010, a proposal to increase monthly LOSAP (Length of Service Award Program) benefits for volunteer firefighters.

The council convened in a special legislative session and, after discussion about procedural requirements and funding, approved the override on a motion by Councilmember Penman, seconded by Councilmember Bullis Savills. The final tally was five in favor and one opposed; Councilmember Jan Giordano cast the lone no vote.

Why it mattered

Council leaders said the change aims to support recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters, whom they described as the backbone of Harford County's emergency response. Council President (presiding officer) told colleagues that auditors and the treasurer's office report roughly $47 million remains in the LOSAP account, and that a proposed $50-per-month increase would cost about $550,000 annually.

What council members said

"For the life of me, I can't understand why the county executive vetoed this bill," Councilmember Penman said, arguing that a $50 monthly increase is a modest incentive compared with the value volunteers provide. "Harford County cannot afford a full-time paid fire service," he added, saying incentives help sustain the volunteer model.

Councilwoman Robert urged clearer communication about the review process set out in county code and said she had spoken with Tom, president of the Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association, who described an active work group including representatives from the 12 volunteer companies, administration staff and the treasurer's office. "I would like to be a part of the work group," she said, noting a meeting was expected and that an actuarial study may already be completed.

Councilmember Jan Giordano said he supports better, ongoing communication and proposed legislation to require a benefit study every two years. He also outlined an alternative incentive: a Harford County income tax credit for volunteers. Giordano estimated an approximate cost of $2.4 million for such a credit and suggested it could provide as much as $3,000 in benefit for higher-earning volunteers.

Councilmember Bennett backed both the override and the tax-credit idea and disputed concerns about funding availability, saying the county's financial position can support the LOSAP increase.

Process and legal questions

The county executive vetoed the bill citing a process in the county code for changing LOSAP; the council discussed whether chapter 28-4 requires an actuarial study before benefits can be changed. The council president said auditors advised that the code does not require an actuarial study for the specific change proposed in Bill 26-010. The treasurer's earlier comments (referenced in debate) raised concern about spending roughly $550,000, but council members said the LOSAP fund balance can support the proposal.

Vote and next steps

The motion to override passed on the roll call vote: Miss Dixon ' Aye; Councilwoman Robert ' Aye; Councilmember Penman ' Aye; Councilmember Jan Giordano ' No; Councilmember Bullis Savills ' Aye; Councilmember Bennett ' Aye. The council president declared the veto override approved and adjourned the special session.

The council and speakers discussed further steps including participation in the work group, the expected actuarial study, and possible future legislation to formalize periodic review of LOSAP benefits and explore tax-credit incentives.