Chatham County, Georgia Adopts Fire Fee in Unincorporated Areas

The Chatham County Board of Commissioners voted to replace the fire tax with a fire services fee. The proposed changes are the result of ongoing discussions between the fire service and county board over the last two years exploring options that included fees on property tax bills, developing fire service contracts, and the county forming its own fire department.

The new fee will be based on the square footage of improved property, which includes all structures that could catch fire and burn and a flat fee for land. The square footage for each property will be obtained from the Chatham County Board of Assessors.

This fee only applies to property owners who were previously billed by Chatham Emergency Services for a fire subscription fee located in unincorporated areas. Property owners will begin receiving bills between July 1 and September 30, 2022.