Montgomery County officials have recently implemented a new real estate rebate program, which could provide some much-needed financial relief for volunteer firefighters as well as emergency medical services personnel.
The program was approved by Montgomery County Commissioners during Thursday’s meeting. It offers financial incentives to qualified first responders through the Active Volunteer Real Estate Tax Rebate Ordinance, receiving unanimous approval.
The county’s Chief Financial Officer Dean Dortone, there are approximately 3,000 members who belong to 101 volunteer fire as well as emergency medical services agencies in Montgomery County.
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He also mentioned that first responders handled over 113,000 calls for service last year.
In December 2023, the budget included a 13 percent increase in real estate taxes, resulting in a raise of the county millage rate from 4.237 mills to 4.778 mills.
The real estate tax on a standard single family home worth approximately $481,300 comes out to $818.
Unveils Tax Rebate Program in Montgomery County
At that board conference, Jamila Winder, the Vice Chairwoman of the Montgomery County Commissioners, provided an informal introduction to a program aimed at providing volunteer emergency personnel and firefighters with a rebate of up to 100 percent off their local real estate tax bill.
Individuals who wish to participate must possess a residence in Montgomery County and be actively engaged in a fire company or not-for-profit emergency medical services agency in the same county.
It is important to mention that they should not have any outstanding county real estate tax bills or assessments.
Rebate Eligibility Based on Point Allocation
The rebate amount is determined by a point-based system outlined in the ordinance, which allocates different points for various activities such as responding to calls, participating in training, engaging in outreach and educational initiatives, as well as assuming leadership roles.
To qualify for the rebate, individuals must accumulate a minimum of 50 points.
As per the ordinance, the qualified real property tax rebate for emergency responders is structured as follows: A 25 percent tax rebate is granted to individuals accumulating 50 points, while a 50 percent tax rebate requires 100 points.
Those amassing 150 points are eligible for a 75 percent tax rebate, and individuals accruing 200 points are entitled to a full 100 percent tax rebate.
Details about the program for eligible first responders are anticipated to be published online within the next two months.
For further information, please visit montgomerycountypa.gov/finance.