"It is our commitment to support those who support the families and taxpayers of North Penn. We are proud to do so by making things a little easier on those who sacrifice so much to keep us all safe"
Dear North Penn Community,
Following in the footsteps of North Penn’s Property Tax and Rent Rebate program, the school board approved the NPSD administration moving forward with a tax credit program for volunteer emergency responders. The plan, modeled after a countywide rebate program, will permit volunteer firefighters and members of fire companies residing and serving in the North Penn School District with up to $750 back in their property taxes for their volunteer service.
We recognize that these essential community services are harder and harder to come by these days. The demands placed on firefighters is immense, which is why the program is structured to encourage brave individuals in our community to serve or continue to serve as volunteer firefighters. To serve as a firefighter is an incredible commitment that comes with health and safety risks, requires continued education and training, and volunteers are expected to respond to emergencies at all hours. This work is done for the benefit of the members of this community, and it is done with nothing asked in return.
In order to receive a tax rebate benefit, volunteer members of fire companies will have to accumulate points directly related to their job responsibilities. For example, points can be earned for obtaining EMS training or EMS continuing education activities, department meetings and regular firefighter trainings. Longevity will be rewarded with points for every 5 years served with the local department. At least half of the points earned will have to come from emergency response calls.
The rebate is done on a variable basis. Different amounts of points earned equal increased rebate benefits. If you earn 50 points during the eligibility period, January 1st to December 31st, you will receive 25% of the maximum benefit. 100 points will earn you half of the maximum benefit, 150 points will earn you 75% and 200 points will allow volunteer emergency responders to claim a $750 rebate. This point system is based on an existing countywide rebate program and programs implemented in other communities.
More information on this program can be found in the NPSD Board of School Directors BoardDocs. When applications for the rebate become available they will be posted to the NPSD website.
It is our commitment to support those who support the families and taxpayers of North Penn. We are proud to do so by making things a little easier on those who sacrifice so much to keep us all safe. On behalf of the North Penn School Board, we thank you for your service to this community and hope you will continue to serve for years to come!
Sincerely,
Christian Fusco
NPSD Board of School Directors
(This letter is a printed submission expressing the views and thoughts of the named writer. A Letter to the Editor is not the viewpoint nor stance of Access Network nor its affiliate websites. The letter is an opinion-based submission which contains statements intended only to share the thoughts of its author and is not a fact-checked news article.)
