East Allegheny School District approves tax relief program for volunteer firefighters

Firefighters in the East Allegheny School District are now eligible for property tax relief under a new program approved by school directors this week.

The Volunteer Service Credit program, approved in a 5-1 vote during Monday’s school board meeting, provides qualifying volunteer firefighters with a tax credit of 100% of their real property taxes on homestead residential properties. Board President John Savinda voted against the motion; directors Merle Pusey and Shannon Basa-Sabol abstained.

No discussion took place regarding the vote, which fully implements the program after it was tentatively approved in January to allow for public notice. The legislation was headed by Mr. Pusey, the West Wilmerding assistant fire chief, as a way to combat declining enrollment at fire stations across the district, an issue felt regionally and statewide as departments continue to struggle with recruiting volunteers.

Mr. Pusey did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

In all, tax relief under the program includes a credit of up to $300 per volunteer firefighter. The credit will not exceed $7,000 for all departments.

To qualify, firefighters volunteering in any of the district’s communities — East McKeesport, North Versailles, Wall and Wilmerding — must be members of a fire station for a full year. They must then meet any of three criteria: answers at least 20 alarms each year, completes at least 16 hours of certified training, 12 hours of fundraising activities, 12 hours of record keeping activities or 12 hours of station property maintenance, according to the program resolution.

Those who qualify can then apply for the tax credit each year, which would be received as a refund on their tax levied by the school district.

The initiative is part of a state program that permits municipalities, school districts and counties to offer tax relief to local volunteer firefighters and EMS companies.

Now that the motion passed, eligibility periods will start Jan. 1, 2025 for the real estate tax year beginning July 1.