A small municipality in Pennsylvania is giving a generous incentive to retain volunteer firefighters – a full property tax credit on their local taxes.
WFMZ reports the Bethlehem Township Board of Commissioners approved an updated ordinance to give eligible volunteer firefighters a 100% tax credit, enabling them to be fully reimbursed for township real estate taxes on their homes, provided their property taxes are paid on time. For those who are late with their tax payment, the credit covers the base tax but not the late fees.
Volunteer firefighters in the township previously enjoyed a 20% real estate tax credit. The new ordinance goes into effect on Aug. 9.
According to the National Volunteer Fire Council, 65% of the nation’s firefighters are volunteers and most of American fire departments are volunteer driven.
