SB337 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jim McClendon

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

St. Clair Co., Davis Lake Volunteer Fire Dept., organization as a fire district, levy of fee on each residence

Summary

Authorizes establishing the Davis Lake Volunteer Fire Department as a St. Clair County fire district with its own board and the power to levy a fire protection fee to fund services.

What This Bill Does

It would authorize creation of the Davis Lake Volunteer Fire Department as a fire district to provide fire protection and related emergency services. The district would become a public corporation governed by a seven-member board (initially drawn from the current department) that elects its officers each year. It would be allowed to levy a service charge or fee of up to $150 per residence or commercial building, collected like ad valorem taxes and secured by a lien if unpaid, with funds restricted to fire protection and related activities and subject to annual audits. Creation requires majority voter approval within the district, and there are rules for dissolution if the district is not indebted and for transferring assets to the local firefighters association if dissolved.

Who It Affects

• Residents and property owners within the proposed district would pay the fire protection fee (up to $150 per building) and vote on the district's creation and funding, receiving district fire protection services.
• The Davis Lake Volunteer Fire Department and local government would shift to formal district status with new governance, financing, and legal powers to manage, operate, and contract for fire protection services.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Davis Lake Volunteer Fire Department as a fire district in St. Clair County, creating a public corporation governed by a seven-member district board (initially from the existing department) with powers to sue, hold property, contract, borrow, and levy service charges.
• Authorizes a fire protection fee of up to $150 per residence or commercial building, collected like state taxes and forming a lien for nonpayment; requires majority voter approval; restricts funds to fire protection and related services, mandates annual audits, and provides dissolution and asset transfer rules if the district is abolished.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

St. Clair County