As previously reported on Conduit Street, the State has convened a Work Group to Study the Laws & Policies Related to the Distribution of Money to Volunteer & Career Fire Companies. The Work Group has met twice and will likely recommend changes to how firefighter funds are distributed under the William H. Amoss Fire, Rescue and Ambulance Fund (Amoss Fund).
MACo recently surveyed the counties on their concerns with the current Amoss Fund law and practices and submitted formal comments to the workgroup. The comments primarily focused on issues related to the maintenance of effort requirement, simplifying the audit and tracking requirements, clarifying allowed uses of the funds, and improving communication with the State. The Metropolitan Fire Chief’s Council of Maryland also offered formal comments.
Work Group meetings are open to the public. The next Work Group meeting is scheduled for November 6 from 10:00 AM to Noon in the Senate Finance Committee Room in the Miller Senate Office Building.
MACo Legal and Policy Counsel Les Knapp represents MACo on the Work Group. If you are interested in further information about the Work Group, please contact him at 410.269.0043 or lknapp@mdcounties.org.