On Tuesday, the Exeter Town Council unanimously approved an increase to the tax exemptions for the town’s volunteer firefighters and rescue personnel, with the goal of attracting and retaining more local recruits. The town council voted to raise the tax exemption cap from $50,000 to $100,000.
Before the ordinance was amended on Tuesday, there was previously a $50,000 property tax exemption cap for volunteer firefighters who accumulated a certain number of points, which are gained by attending meetings, participating in training sessions and going on calls. However, because the town’s fire departments have indicated that volunteerism, recruitment and retention are down, an increase to the cap was suggested as an incentive to attract and maintain local volunteers.