HB557 Summary

• Levies annual fire protection service fees in Cleburne County: $50 per residence/dwelling, $150 per commercial business, and $30 per agricultural building exceeding 2,000 square feet.

• Collected by county revenue commissioner alongside ad valorem taxes; fees paid into special county fire services fund by February 1 each year.

• Distributes $15,000 annually to Cleburne County Search and Rescue with remaining funds to Cleburne County Association of Volunteer Fire Departments, Inc. for equipment purchases and training up to $10,000 per year.

• Exempts persons exempt from ad valorem taxes, persons age 65 or older with property tax exemptions, and those exempt due to total permanent disability or blindness; unpaid fees constitute a lien on property.

• Requires referendum approval by qualified Cleburne County electors at the next primary election following the act's effective date.