Fire & Rescue Dues

Kentucky law by KRS 75.450 allows a fiscal court to adopt an ordinance that would allow a fire department that collects subscriber fees to add those fees to the county's property tax bill. The subscriber fees shall be a separate line item on the property tax bill and the sheriff collects and distributes the fees in the same manner as the other taxes on the bill. Subscriber fees that are unpaid  represent a lien on the real property and the charges will incur the same penalty as State and county property tax amount.                                                                                                                                                                  
Fire Dues can be paid at the Sheriff’s office located on the courthouse square. You will also find the Opt Out Forms at the Sheriff office.
44 Public Square
Leitchfield, KY 42754
270-259-3024

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What does opting out of the fire dues mean?
A: When you opt out you are specifically put on notice, pursuant to the KRS 75.450, should a fire OR other non-medical incident occur on his/her property, the property owner could face charges from the district of a minimum of $500.00 or $1000.00, depending on the type of facility.

Q: If I have two separate tax bills for adjoining properties, do I need to pay both bills?
A: Yes. If the fire department responds to a property that hasn't had the fire dues paid the owner would be responsible for the charges from the district. If you wish to just to pay on one tax bill you can go to the PVA office and ask for them to be put on the same deed.

Q: What if the tax bill is for a vacant lot, do I need to still pay fire dues?
A: Yes, a vacant lot can catch on fire and if the fire department is called to this lot the owner would be responsible for the charges from the district.

Q: If I pay my fire dues when I pay my tax bill at the Sheriff's Office and later decide I no longer want to pay my fire dues where do I go for a refund?
A: You will have to go to your district's fire chief to receive a reimbursement for the fire dues. The Sheriff's Office is not able to give you a reimbursement.

Q: If I opt out of paying the fire dues will I need to opt out the previous year as well?
A: Each year the fire dues will be placed on the tax bill and you are required to fill out an opt out form every year. 

Q: I receive multiple tax bills in the same district so why is the fire dues on each bill?
A: The Grayson County Clerk and the PVA are unable to determine how many tax bills belong to you so it is placed on all tax bills.

Q: How many fire dues do I have to pay?
A: You can opt out of as many or all that you choose but you are only obligated to pay up to four or $160.00 per district.

Q: If I pay online can I opt out of the fire dues?
A: No you can not opt out online. You will have to come to the sheriff's office to opt out or take your paid tax bill and get a refund from your respective fire district chief.

Q: Is it true that if I have homeowners insurance I am covered for a fire?
A: Your insurance company covers damages to your home or property when a fire occurs. Many insurances companies will not cover the fire run.

Q: If I have a Homestead Exemption or Disability do I still need to pay my fire dues?
A: No you do not have to pay fire dues because your fire dues are already covered.

Q: If I want to get in contact with my district's Fire Chief, how would I do that?
A: Here are a list of the Fire Chief's names and numbers:

Anneta Fire, District 04
Cody Weiss
502-551-5651

Falls of Rough, District 09
David Mercer
270-589-0346
 
Wax, District 05          
David Strader
270-230-6663
 
Leitchfield, District 07
Tim Duvall
270-589-7364

Clarkson, District 06
Andy Cain
[email protected]
Clarkson City Hall
270-242-6997

Caneyville, District 00
Brian Pharris
Caneyville City Hall
270-879-9701

East Grayson, District 08
Bob Williams
270-230-5419