Alvaton Fire Department firefighters receive no wages or pay for their service to their community, however there are significant costs associated with operating and maintaining the AVFD and in supporting the improvements in service and professionalism that we strive for.   Unlike a majority of Kentucky counties, Warren County has no fire tax districts, and therefore AVFD receives no direct tax revenue, but does receive a $5,000 annual operating allowance, insurance coverage, and some utilities and maintenance assistance from Warren Fiscal Court.   90%+ of AVFD operating and capital budget comes from your voluntary annual dues.

 

In previous years, you received an annual request for payment of dues directly from the Alvaton Fire Department. While our collection rates were among the best in Warren County, only 75-80% of our property owners paid annual dues.

 

Pursuant to KRS 75.450 the Warren Fiscal Court adopted an Ordinance requiring the annual membership charges and/or subscriber fees to be added to the County property tax bills for collection. In Warren County, Membership Dues or Subscriber Fees are levied by each of the nine volunteer fire departments in order to provide fire protection services in lieu of assessing a charge for fire protection services actually performed.

 

These Annual Dues are added as a separate line item on all annual property tax bills by the Warren County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) to the owner of any property containing a residential dwelling or business in Warren County, outside the limits of the City of Bowling Green.   These dues are collected by the Warren County Sheriff’s Department and distributed to the Fire Department in whose district the property is located.   Most people who have a mortgage on their home will have this amount paid from their mortgage escrow account by their mortgage lender. If you are not sure, you should contact your mortgage lender for confirmation.

 

The residential fee of $30.00 shall be assessed upon every property upon which a dwelling is situated, but once paid, will cover all land owned by the property owner. Thus, should a property owner own more than one dwelling, the property owner will be assessed $30.00 for each dwelling and all property

(including undeveloped farmland owned in the name of that property owner) shall be covered and no other fee shall be assessed. A membership charge of $50.00 shall be added to the property tax bill of every business.

 

While these dues are not mandatory they are critical to the existence and operation of the Warren County Fire Departments. Based upon the service provided by the Volunteer Fire Departments, it is assumed by the Warren County Fiscal Court that every property owner / business owner mobile home owner and/or landowner wishes to become a member of their Volunteer Fire Department. However, should the property owner / business owner and/or landowner wish not to participate in the membership, the Volunteer Fire Department shall refund their money, after completing the attached Petition. (https://warrenpva.ky.gov/VolFireDpt.htm). You must pay your property tax bill in full, including the dues amount, by the deadline.

 

Warren County Fire Department do not charge for medical responses, however all individuals who “opt-out” of the membership are specifically put on notice,

pursuant to KRS 75.450 (2), should a fire, or other non-medical incident, occur on their property, the property owner/business owner and/or landowner could face charges, a minimum of $500.00 or $1,000.00, depending on the type of facility and incident. In addition, non-resident owners of vehicles involved in accidents or fires occurring within the AVFD district are subject to charge for services provided.

 

We are happy to report that of 4,532 properties in the Alvaton Fire Department district, only 3 property owners have elected to “opt-out” for the current year.  This outstanding support for the AVFD is greatly appreciated and is being utilized as effectively as possible, and managed carefully.

 

If you have any questions about whether you have, or have not, paid your current annual dues please contact the Warren County Sherriff Department tax division, or the Alvaton Fire Department.