The bill amends West Virginia Code §8-13-13 to regulate the imposition of fire protection service fees by municipalities. It prohibits any municipality from imposing new fire protection service fees on individuals or businesses located in counties that have already established a fire service fee, unless there is an intergovernmental agreement in place between the municipality and the county commission. The bill outlines specific requirements for this agreement, including that the fees must be uniform for all users, and that no individual or business should be required to pay both municipal and county fire service fees. Additionally, it allows municipalities to increase or decrease existing fire protection fees that were in effect prior to June 30, 2024.

The intergovernmental agreement must include terms that limit the municipality's fees to those within designated first due areas and stipulate that the agreement will expire after five years, with the possibility of renewal. The bill also establishes a process for municipalities to file liens on properties for unpaid fees, and it requires that any ordinance related to these fees be published as a legal advertisement. Furthermore, it allows for voter protest against the ordinance, which would require a majority vote for the ordinance to take effect. Overall, the bill aims to create a structured approach to fire service fees while ensuring fairness and transparency in the process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 7-17-12, 8-13-13
Committee Substitute: 8-13-13
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 8-13-13
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 8-13-13