This bill amends sections 7-17-12 and 8-13-13 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, to grant county commissions the authority to establish fees for fire services through an ordinance. It specifically requires that any fire service fees imposed on or after January 1, 2024, on individuals or businesses located outside the municipality must receive prior approval from the relevant county commission. The bill also clarifies that no resident or business outside the municipality can be required to pay fire protection fees imposed by both the municipality and the county commission simultaneously.
Additionally, the bill removes previous requirements for voter petitions and elections related to the imposition of fire service fees, streamlining the process for county commissions to enact such fees. The changes aim to enhance the flexibility and authority of county commissions in managing fire service fees while ensuring that external stakeholders are not unfairly burdened by overlapping charges. Overall, the bill seeks to improve the governance of fire service fees in West Virginia municipalities and their surrounding areas.
Statutes affected: Introduced Version: 7-17-12, 8-13-13