This bill amends sections 7-17-12 and 8-13-13 of the Code of West Virginia, focusing on the imposition of fees for municipality-provided fire services. It establishes that any fire protection fee or charge imposed by a municipality on individuals or businesses located outside its boundaries requires the approval of the county commission. Additionally, it allows residents of the county to challenge such fees through a petition process, where if 30 percent of qualified voters protest the ordinance, it cannot take effect until ratified by a majority vote in a primary or general election.

The bill also modifies existing provisions regarding the imposition of fire service fees by county commissions. It clarifies that no new fire protection fees can be imposed on residents or businesses outside municipal boundaries without county commission approval, and it ensures that individuals are not required to pay fire protection fees to both the municipality and the county commission simultaneously. These changes aim to provide a more equitable process for residents affected by municipal fire service fees and enhance transparency and accountability in the fee-setting process.

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