This bill proposes the addition of a new section, 7-1-3uu, to the Code of West Virginia, which grants county commissions the authority to establish and impose voluntary firefighter service fees on residents. The fees are intended to support volunteer fire departments within the county and are not mandatory. The county commission will have discretion over the imposition and collection of these fees, ensuring that participation remains voluntary for residents.

Additionally, the bill establishes a Volunteer Firefighter Service Fund, into which all proceeds from the voluntary fees will be deposited. This fund is designated exclusively for the benefit of volunteer firefighters serving in the county. Disbursements from the fund will be made to eligible firefighters after they complete each 10 years of service, with the county commission having the authority to determine the amount of funds distributed for each service period. The bill also stipulates that the collected funds can only be used for the purposes outlined in the new section.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 7-1-3uu