Snyder proposes bill to help volunteer fire company stations
State Rep. Pam Snyder, D-Jefferson, has introduced legislation that would enable fire relief funds to be used to pay basic utility costs at volunteer fire company stations.
Snyder said the state statute governing volunteer fire relief associations allows them to pay for training, gear and apparatus crucial to volunteer firefighters, but not utility costs. House Bill 698 would permit volunteer fire relief funds to be used toward gas, electric, water and sewage bills.
“Helping to pay for basic utility expenses will free our first responders from having to raise funds just to keep the lights on at the station,” Snyder said.
Snyder said the ranks of volunteer firefighters have plummeted statewide to about 50,000 today compared with an estimated 300,000 in the 1970s.
“Whenever and wherever possible, we must find ways to bolster their ranks,” said Snyder, who also is supporting H.B. 48, which would provide a scholarship program for volunteer first responders.