This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to grant county commissions the authority to establish fees for fire services through an ordinance. It specifically requires that any fees imposed on individuals or businesses located outside the municipality, effective on or after January 1, 2024, 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 modifies existing provisions regarding the imposition of fire service fees by removing the requirement for a petition from voters and the subsequent election process for fee amendments. Instead, it allows county commissions to impose reasonable fire service fees directly through ordinances, streamlining the process for establishing and adjusting these fees. The changes aim to enhance the flexibility and efficiency of fire service funding while ensuring that those outside municipal boundaries are not unfairly charged.

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