Volunteer Benefits Program

Commissioners Look to Create LOSAP+

A public hearing is scheduled for April 22, 2025 after the County Commissioners agreed last week to move forward with a proposal to expand benefits available to volunteer fire and rescue personnel. Called “LOSAP Plus,” the program would grant benefits of up to $3K to volunteers who have met eligibility requirements. The estimated cost of $1.6M for the first year of the program will be paid with Commissioner’s fund balance. However, questions linger about when to implement the new benefits–this year based on volunteer participation in 2024, or next year based on volunteer participation through 2025.

St. Mary’s already has a Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP) in place, but its scope is limited. Eligible volunteers receive a monthly stipend based on accumulated LOSAP points and total years of service. Those 55+ who have earned at least 50 points per year for 20 years, qualify for $150 payment each month. Another $8 per year is added for each year of service past the 20 year mark. There are also options for disability and survivor benefits, cost of living adjustments equal to the State, and a death benefit for line of duty deaths. The program is supported with a portion of the fire tax invested into an interest earning benefit account. 

In a memo prepared by David Yingling, Deputy County Administrator, the Commissioners were briefed on the history of the initiative. After a 2017 state law permitting public safety officers to receive up to a $2500 tax the “convened a focus group includ[ing] representatives from the volunteer community (fire and EMS), law enforcement (Sheriff’s Office and State Police) and dispatchers,” according to the memo. In 2024 State legislation eliminated the $2500 maximum, instead allowing counties to set the amount while also permitting them to decide who is included as a public safety officer. 

The three benefit tiers were quickly explained by Commissioner Hewitt on March 25th: 

• Tier 1: Volunteers who have earned 50 LOSAP points receive $1000.

• Tier 2: Volunteers who have run either 100 calls or 20% of their station’s calls for service, receive another $1000.

• Tier 3: Volunteers who have run either 200 calls or 40% of their station’s calls for service receive another $1000.

The percentage in Tiers 2 and 3 was included so the more rural squads with lower call volumes are still eligible for these rewards. The reward amount could be claimed as either a property tax credit, a stipend, or a combination of both. Any amount received as a stipend is subject to State and Local income tax. 

The establishing ordinance defines as eligible any volunteer firefighters, rescue squad or advanced life support members who have a “current fit test or appropriate certification,” been issued gear, and operate as current crew or driver. Administrative (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer) or Operational (Chief, Assistant Chief) leadership for each squad are automatically eligible for the Tier 3 benefit if they’ve accumulated 50 LOSAP points.

But Commissioner Colvin took issue with the program being retroactive, saying he was under the impression it would begin next year. Jennifer Utz, Director of Emergency Services, said the issue was one of timing. After the public hearing on April 22, the Commissioner’s decision is scheduled for May 6. A list of volunteers electing to take a property tax credit is due that same day to the county treasurer’s office. With 2024 participation data already collected, Utz said, EMS could engage with those volunteers to record their selections for submission in May pending the Commissioner’s final decision. 

However, the draft ordinance spells out the first year’s implementation in Section 4.4 “Special Rules for Fiscal Year 2026.” Only the stipend is available in FY26 and eligibility is based on the 2024 LOSAP list. Those who are eligible “must submit their qualifying information and benefit election to DES no later than June 1, 2025.” This section was included specifically, said county attorney Buffy Giddens, because of the May 6th due date for submitting property tax credits. 

There was disagreement among the Commissioners about when the program would start, with Colvin saying he thought this was a two year pilot program beginning next year. Hewitt and Ostrow, meanwhile, both said their intention was for the program to begin this year. The deputy county administrator’s memo mentions “independent conversations with individual commissioners,” pointing to a potential reason for the confusion. Though there was a lack of consensus on the program details, the Commissioners did unanimously agree to schedule a public forum on the subject. 

The public can say whether or not they support the idea but it will be difficult to weigh in on the budgetary implications without a clear implementation plan. That’s important as the county faces an especially tight budget year.