9th District Proposal Would Reduce Utility Bills For Volunteer EMS

TRENTON, NJ — A new proposal from the 9th Legislative District, thanks in part to Pinewald Pioneer Volunteer Fire Company Chief George Dohn, would require a public utility to charge a volunteer emergency service organization a residential rate for service delivered to the organization’s primary property.

“Volunteer emergency service squads provide critical services to our communities and therefore deserve the full backing of the State,” said the district delegation, Sen. Carmen Amato, Asm. Brian Rumpf and Asm. Greg Myhre. “Paying reduced utility bills would free up funding for squads to enhance the services that they provide.”

“Volunteer emergency service organization” is defined under the Delegation's legislative proposal as an organization that relies on volunteer members to provide emergency services, including, but not limited to, fire department, first aid, emergency, ambulance, or rescue squad services.

It would only take effect if the residential rate is lower than the commercial rate for the service at that property.

“Notably, we want to thank Chief George Dohn of the Pinewald Pioneer Volunteer Fire Company for his invaluable expertise in bringing this issue to our attention,” the delegation said. “Our Delegation remains committed to supporting our volunteer emergency personnel and will work to advance legislative initiatives which allow these organizations to operate more effectively and also improve their dedicated members’ quality of life.”

Previously, Amato, Rumpf and Myhre introduced legislation that would give tax exemptions to spouses of fallen first responders. Read more: 9th District Bill Would Support Spouses Of 1st Responders Killed In Line Of Duty