Posted: | January 16, 2014 09:21 AM |
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From: | Representative Dom Costa |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Request for Co-Sponsorship: Increasing Occupancy Permit Fees for Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting Services |
In the near future, I will be introducing legislation that would provide municipalities an additional option for generating revenue for fire prevention services. My legislation amends Act 45 of 1999, the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act, giving municipalities the option to assess an additional fee of up to $30 on occupancy permits issued by a municipality. Under my legislation, municipalities would only be able to use the funding for services, equipment, vehicles, maintenance and other related costs associated specifically with firefighting duties. As we all know, municipally-employed and volunteer fire departments are struggling financially. Emergency services often comprise a large portion of municipal budgets. While, on the other hand, volunteer fire departments must rely on fund raisers and grants to support the equipment their firefighters need to protect their communities. It is my hope that this legislation will provide an additional revenue option to help fund the equipment and services firefighters need to continue safely protecting Pennsylvania’s citizens and structures. I encourage you to join me in co-sponsoring this legislation. |
Introduced as HB2186