Blawnox firefighters may soon get a tax break.
Borough officials are drafting an ordinance that could slash hundreds of dollars from their earned income tax.
There are many details that still need to be worked out with the fire department, borough manager Kathy Ulanowicz said on June 11, including criteria for firefighters to qualify for the tax credit and the amount of relief.
“I’ve called around the other communities to find out what they allow in a reduction in their earned income tax once they reach the qualifying points,” Ulanowicz said. “It’s between $300 and $500 in our surrounding communities.”
Sharpsburg, which has a volunteer service credit program, was one of the neighboring communities consulted. Each active volunteer who reaches certain criteria and is certified for the program can receive a tax credit up to $500.
Its program extends to any volunteer fire company having a mutual aid agreement with Sharpsburg’s fire department.
Aspinwall also provides a $500 volunteer tax credit under the state’s Act 172 program, according to council vice president Heth Turnquist. He said firefighters routinely take advantage of the program.
Both Aspinwall and Sharpsburg fire departments merged a couple of years ago into Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services.
Fire Chief Mike Daniher said he is glad to have such programs available for volunteers.
“It’s very appreciative to our members, however it does not bring new members in our doors,” Daniher said via email on June 12. “When you are asking volunteers to go through 220 hours of training and then respond to the over 600 calls we run a year … to attract more members to consider would require larger scale incentives.” Blawnox Councilman Matthew Stanczak asked about firefighter tax relief eligibility. He said there are several O’Hara residents who volunteer as Blawnox firefighters.
Borough solicitor Sam Dalfonso said he would look into the legal options and coordination of tax relief with other municipalities.
Council president Deborah Laskey supports the idea of a firefighter tax credit.
“They volunteer their time and come out in all the inclement weather regardless of what’s going on, be it land or even in the water,” Laskey said. “They are dependable. Why not (cut them a break)?”
Ulanowicz echoed those sentiments. She said the plan is to have the ordinance advertised next month and approved in August.
“I’m not running into a burning building,” the manager said. “We will try to maximize whatever we can do for them to thank them for what they do for our residents and the surrounding communities.”
Blawnox has at least 25 active firefighters, according to department treasurer Diane Casile.
She said the tax credit program may incentivize more people to volunteer as well as retain current members.
“This isn’t going to be a great windfall for them, but it’s something they so deserve,” Casile said.