Commissioners debate volunteer firefighter tax credits, lean toward $500 EIT cap and 100% property rebate

East Pennsboro Township commissioners spent a lengthy portion of their July 15 meeting debating a draft ordinance to provide volunteer firefighters with tax credits aimed at recruitment and retention.

Chief Owen and staff presented options based on neighboring municipalities’ programs, noting peer caps typically range from $250 to $500 for the earned‑income tax credit. Commissioners asked about eligibility, certification, and whether retired volunteers can qualify; Solicitor Coin said he would confirm statutory limits. "Our recommendations are going to then go back to the frack board the beginning of August and then hopefully we can vote on the ordinance at the August meeting," a commissioner said during the discussion.

Board members pressed for a figure that would both reward service and help recruitment. Multiple commissioners voiced support for the maximum allowable EIT credit, and several said they would prefer a full rebate on the township portion of real‑estate tax. One commissioner summarized the policy intent: "I thinking that this credit ... we do it with an eye toward not only appreciating our firemen ... but also that we would give them an additional recruitment tool." Staff provided an illustrative cost estimate showing that, if 75 homeowners applied and the board set a high rebate level, the township could expect tens of thousands in foregone tax revenue (an estimate of roughly $49,000–$50,000 was discussed).

The board directed staff to continue drafting the ordinance with the board’s preferences and to advertise the proposal for formal consideration in August or September. No final ordinance vote occurred at the July meeting.

Provenance: The discussion appears in the board's fire chief report and the ordinance review (transcript segments beginning with SEG 169 and concluding SEG 466).