Tax Rebates Available For Chesco Volunteer First Responders

WEST CHESTER, PA — With the hope of attracting volunteers, the Chester County commissioners on Thursday approved an ordinance to provide tax rebates for volunteer firefighters and first responders and administrators of those services.

“Chester County is the fastest growing county in Pennsylvania, so our growth in population brings with it an increased need for first responder services – at a time when volunteerism is waning,” Commissioner Michelle Kichline said.

The ordinance is effective immediately, with volunteers being eligible for a real estate tax rebate applicable to the 2024 tax year, for service provided between Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2023.

Chairwoman Marian Moskowitz said the rebate is a way to show how valued volunteers are to the community.

“Generations of families in Chester County have made it their mission to serve their family, friends, neighbors, and community as volunteer firefighters and EMTs,” she said. “It is a responsibility that requires extensive training and time, with a dedication like no other.”

Commissioner Josh Maxwell said first responder volunteers are there for us every hour of every day, saving lives, and are very deserving of this.

“They give back to our communities in such an important way, and the least we can do is give back to them in the form of a rebate,” he said.

The rebate program is based on a point system earned through emergency response calls, training, meeting attendance, public education activities, leadership roles, and other activities such as fundraising events.

Earning the maximum number of points available will result in a 100 percent rebate on the county property tax.