Cambria Heights votes to offer $200 tax credit to firefighters

PATTON -- Recognizing the rapid decline in the number of volunteer firefighters, the Cambria Heights School District took action Tuesday to help retain and recruit volunteers.

After a unanimous vote from school board members, the district will now be able to provide up to a $200 tax credit to eligible volunteer firefighters within the district.

"We are really excited to give back and provide some type of reward for those that put everything on the line," Superintendent Michael Strasser said. "We hope this can help our volunteers with their recruitment and retention."

Cambria Heights solicitor Patrick Fanelli said the potential $200 credit will be applied toward a firefighters' earned income taxes or real estate taxes.

In order for a volunteer to be eligible for the credit, he or she must meet a district-determined number of volunteer hours.

Each fire chief of the four fire departments in the school district -- Patton, Carrolltown, Hastings and Ashville -- must then submit a notarized list to the district of all eligible firefighters, Fanelli said.

"We would need documentation that they are an active volunteer and meet all the requirements," Fanelli said.

Once the list is submitted, Fanelli said eligible firefighters will have until April 1 of each year to apply.

Proof of income, such as a W-2 or a tax statement from the district, also will be required to determine the amount of the credit, Fanelli said.

Board member Jerry Brant, who is an assistant chief with the Patton Fire Company, said he was told by state officials that Cambria Heights is the first district in the state to provide this credit.

Boroughs, townships and cities have been allowed to provide a tax credit to first responders under Act 172, and it has recently provided school districts and counties the ability to allow a credit as well.

Brant said he first explored discussion of the tax credit along with board member Tom Malloy, who is an assistant chief with the Carrolltown Fire Engine Company.

"This will be a big help and a great way to recruit more volunteers," Brant said.

Board members Donald Owens and Darrin Adams were not in attendance.

Mirror Staff Writer Calem Illig is at 814-946-7535.