Commissioners outline outreach for new volunteer first‑responder tax rebate

Commissioner Seeley told the Crawford County Board of Commissioners on March 25 that the county will begin outreach to volunteer first‑responder departments to explain a tax rebate program approved late last year. "Any volunteer first responder in Crawford County that meets a set number of requirements for hours spent … is entitled to a $500 tax rebate, or up to a 100% of their county liability, whichever is less in that case," Seeley said.

Seeley said the board plans a series of visits to local departments so staff can explain how to apply, why the board created the program and how it will operate. Another commissioner expressed concern that volunteer ranks are shrinking: "the volunteers are dwindling fast," one participant said, and urged residents to consider joining local fire companies or EMS.

Why it matters: The program aims to support volunteer first responders by offsetting some county tax liability. Commissioners flagged uncertainty about total program cost and said they intend to watch budget impacts while encouraging recruitment to address a shrinking volunteer base.

Next steps: The board plans direct outreach visits to first‑responder departments; staff will provide application guidance and monitor program take‑up and fiscal impact.