AL HB660

Marshall County Commission may establish one or more volunteer fire districts within the county, with boundaries matching certified volunteer fire department service areas.

Qualified electors may call a referendum to authorize funding through one of three methods: fire protection service fee (up to $120/year on residences and businesses), water meter fee (up to $10/month), or electric meter fee (up to $10/month).

Referendum requires petition signed by at least 5% of district electors who voted in the last gubernatorial election, with the volunteer fire department conducting the election and publishing notice once weekly for three weeks.

Collecting entities (water board, electric utility, or revenue commissioner) may retain 5% of collected fees as administrative costs and must begin collection on the next billing cycle if approved.

Persons aged 65+ with annual taxable income of $7,500 or less, or those 100% disabled as defined by Alabama, are exempt from paying the fire protection service/meter fee.