Risings costs for fire-fighting equipment and decreasing numbers of firefighters has State Rep. Randy Frye (R-Greensburg) concerned about the future of volunteer firefighting. On Thursday he met with the Jefferson County Commissioners and County Council to propose that they enact a Local Option Income Tax (LOIT) to support local fire departments.
Legislation was passed by the 2023 General Assembly that now allows county governments to institute the option tax for fire departments at a rate of up to .05%. The funds then would be distributed to volunteer fire departments based on the assessed value of property within their coverage district excluding farm acreage.