MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Berkeley County Ambulance Authority Executive Director Brian Costello says the rollout of a discount program for some citizens is causing some questions.
He talked about what qualifies a person for the discount.
Because some citizens paid their bill before realizing they qualify for a discount, Costello says the Ambulance Authority is offering a refund process:
Meanwhile, it’s not too late for residents to qualify for the discount.
The Berkeley County Commission says residents who have been qualified through the Berkeley County Assessor’s Office to receive property tax relief through the Homestead Exemption, are eligible to receive a $25 discount on the service fee that is annually charged by the Berkeley County Emergency Ambulance Authority.
To receive the discount, Homestead Exemption-qualified residents first must submit an application with the Berkeley County Emergency Ambulance Authority.
The application must be received by Sept. 30, which also is the deadline to pay the Berkeley County Emergency Ambulance Authority Service Fee without a late penalty included.
More information about the Berkeley County Emergency Ambulance Authority ordinances, fee structure and other information is available online at https://www.berkeleywv.org/307/Ambulance-Authority or by email – [email protected] or phone – 304-264-1921.
A press release from the county also explains the Homestead Exemption process for property taxes.
“Passed by the voters in 1981 and adopted by the West Virginia Legislature, the Homestead Exemption enables many West Virginians to enjoy a reduction in their real property taxes. The first $20,000 of assessed value of owner-occupied residential property owned by a person age 65 or older or by a person who is permanently and totally disabled is exempt. But to qualify, you must first apply. To apply, you must bring proof of age or if you are applying based on a permanent and total disability, proof of the disability to the Assessor’s office. New applicants must file between July 1 and December 1.. More information is online at http://theassessor.org/homestead.html