“It’s really important that we get this done,” Lehigh County Commissioner Antonio Pineda, original sponsor of a bill offering tax credits to resident volunteer firefighters, said at the April 12 Lehigh County Board of Commissioners meeting. “It’s really important to say thank you for everything that our volunteer firefighters in Lehigh County do to keep our community safe.”

In a show of unity, the ordinance received full board sponsorship.

“They sacrifice so much time, financial as well, pay for their training and everything else. And they put their lives at risk every day to make sure that our communities are safe,” Pineda added.

The ordinance sets a real estate credit of up to $150 for each owner-occupant, as long as they meet the criteria of eligibility. The tax credit totals cannot exceed the real estate tax paid for the property.

Fire chiefs will need to provide a list of their respective volunteer firefighters who meet the requirements of this tax credit to the county.

“I think that for those folks who volunteer in our community that give all to protect us, this gives a little bit back to them,” Commissioner Jeffrey Dutt said.

“This is an acknowledgment of the sacrifices that these folks make. It is not just in terms of time; it is in terms of money. These are folks who answer the pager or they answer the call and leave work,” Commissioner Ron Beitler said.

Once the ordinance receives passage of the final reading, which was to be held April 26, the real estate tax credit will be in effect for the 2023 tax year.

According to Pineda, Lehigh County is one of the first to introduce this tax credit in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.