Volunteer Incentive Program
The 2012 County budget includes funding for the Schenectady County Volunteer Incentive Program. The VIP program aims to reward current volunteer firefighters/EMS personnel for their fine service and recruit new volunteers to join in protecting our communities. The benefits to volunteers include scholarships and textbook assistance at Schenectady County Community College, free permit cards at the County Farm, and free rabies shots for pets at County-run vaccination clinics. The VIP program began January 1, 2007.
For more information on volunteering in your community, please use the links under the ‘Emergency Management’ portion of the County website.
SCHENECTADY COUNTY VOLUNTEER INCENTIVE PROGRAM
Each volunteer firefighter/EMS agency is requested to annually provide a roster of volunteers to the County Manager. The names on these rosters will be forwarded to the agencies below participating in the incentive program.
Incentive #1: Scholarship Fund at Schenectady County Community College (SCCC)
The County provides funds for volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers. These volunteers are eligible to utilize the scholarship fund for one course per semester. Funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
*Process for Incentive #1: The volunteer must procure a letter from his/her agency chief stating that he/she is an active volunteer and that the coursework is approved. The volunteer then needs to contact the Office of Fire Coordinator to ensure funds are available. The volunteer should call 370-3113 x2 to obtain a letter. Once approved and after receiving a tuition bill, the volunteer should present this letter to the SCCC Student Business Office for processing. Tuition and fees for one course per semester will not be charged.
Contact: Jenny C. Ramsundar, Senior Bookkeeper, 381-1346
Incentive #2: Free textbook for the basic EMT course at SCCC
Volunteers can receive a free copy of the textbook required for the basic, original EMT course offered at SCCC. This textbook is normally priced at $140.00. Funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
*Process for Incentive #2: The volunteer must procure a letter from his/her agency chief stating that he/she is an active volunteer and that the coursework is approved. The volunteer should present this letter to the SCCC Bookstore at the time of purchase. The volunteer will not be charged.
Contact: Jenny C. Ramsundar, Senior Bookkeeper, 381-1346
Incentive #3: Free permit cards for the Schenectady County Farm
Valued at $15 each, these annual permit cards will allow volunteers free residential recycling and yardwaste disposal, plus participation in the household hazardous waste program.
*Process for Incentive #3: A volunteer listed on the roster need only appear in person and present a photo ID to receive the incentive free of charge. Paperwork normally required for the service will still need to be completed.
Contact: David Mosher, Conversation District Programs Coordinator, 399-6980
Incentive #4: Free rabies shots for pets through Schenectady County Environmental Health
Volunteers will be able to get free rabies shots for pets (normally an $8 donation).
*Process for Incentive #4: A volunteer listed on the roster need only appear in person at a County-run rabies vaccination clinic to receive the incentive free of charge. Paperwork normally required for the service will still need to be completed. Please call County Environmental Health for the date and time of the next clinic.
Contact: Andrew Suflita, Schenectady County Director of Environmental Health, 386-2818
Incentive #5: Property Tax Exemption
Section 466-e of the Real Property Tax Law authorizes the governing body of a county, town, village, fire district or school district in a county having a population of between 146,000 and 150,000 according to the latest federal decennial census (only Schenectady County currently satisfies this standard) to partially exempt the residence of a volunteer firefighter or volunteer ambulance worker.
Download Form from NYS Office of Real Property