Comments on: Read The Full Escambia County IRS Audit

By: Eric

Eric — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 16:50:48 +0000

I was a volunteer firefighter and EMT in the 1960’s through the 1980’s. “Just Listening” hit the nail on the head. Either you are a volunteer or an employee. I did my VFD duties as a feel-good service to my fellow man, not to make money.

In the days when we had to go door-to-door soliciting donations, we barely met expenses and made-do with what we had. At people’s front doors, we were sometimes treated like dirt. It wasn’t fun.

As a VFD treasurer when the switch to taxes (Non-ad valorem assessments) came into being, we had plenty of money to fund purchases of a new truck and buy equipment that we wanted. We were ecstatic that we had a much larger budget and didn’t have to beg for money.

By: GATOR

GATOR — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 14:44:28 +0000

The County should give the all volunteers the option to receive the stipend, not get rid of the county employees for wanting to give there time and all to the community because of this, seems to me that the county is trying to find all and different ways to push volunteers out and use the money for more carrer fireman….which isnt a bad idea dont get me wrong but that would mean possible fire tax going up once again and who knows what else.

By: Proud mother of VF

Proud mother of VF — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 14:50:20 +0000

Sounds like they need to pay Volunteer Firefighters minimum wage! My son commits many hours of service and training and $300 a month is no where enough for what is required of them or for the sacrifices they make to do this service for their community. By the time they pay taxes on $300, they barely make anything for their service as it is. As being a bonofide employee of the county, minimum wage is only fair!

By: just listening

just listening — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 13:56:08 +0000

“volunteer” – Generally considered an altruistic activity and is intended to promote goodness as improve human quality of life. In return produces a feeling of self worth and respect. There is no financial gain for the individual.

“Stipend Pay” – A fixed and regular payment such as a salary for services rendered or an allowance.

Paid employee? – Sounds like this is what we have.
Paid Volunteer? – what is this?

just saying