Fire Protection in Unincorporated Chatham County

• Why am I receiving a bill from Chatham County for fire protection?

  The County has a service contract with Chatham Emergency Services (CES) to provide fire protection for many parts of the unincorporated area. As part of the contract, the County will bill and collect the annual subscription fire fee which will be used to reimburse CES for their costs.

• I received a bill in the mail but the return mailing address for the payment is in Wisconsin, is this a scam?

  No, Chatham County uses a third-party billing company to collect the payments that is based in Wisconsin. You may pay your Fire Fee online at www.myfirebill.com or send a check to the Wisconsin address listed on your bill.
  Questions about your bill? Call 1-888-428-0161
  A sample of what his bill can look like is below:

  

• Why did the County decide to contract with Chatham Emergency Service (CES) for fire protection for residence in the unincorporated County?

  CES already served most of the unincorporated County for fire protection which is an essential public safety service. However, CES was not able to generate enough revenue to offset its costs.

• I currently receive fire services from another agency. Will I have to change to Chatham Emergency Services?

  No, this fee only applies to property owners who were previously billed by Chatham Emergency Services for a fire subscription fee.

• How is the Fire Services Fee calculated?

  The fee is based on the square footage of your improved property, which includes all structures that could catch fire and burn, plus a flat fee for land. It should be noted that this is a different calculation than the subscription fee that CES assessed in the past so the fees will not be the same. The CES calculation was based on property values. Some homeowners will see a decrease in their bill under the new calculation while others will see an increase.

• Is Chatham Emergency Services now a part of Chatham County Government?

  No, CES is still a non-profit organization providing fire protection to unincorporated Chatham County.

• When will I receive my bill?

  All bills have been mailed by our billing provider, Life Quest.

• Where will my Fire Service Fee bill be mailed?

  The Fire Service Fee bill will be mailed to the same address that you receive your tax bill. Need to change the address of where your fire fee is mailed? Visit: https://www.chathamtax.org and click “E-file.”

• How should Fire Fees be collected if a property is sold?

  Chatham County will send the fire fee invoice to the property owner on file with the Board of Assessors. Unfortunately, this information is not “real time” so the County may not have information on any change in ownership.

  For properties in the fire district that are sold after June 30, 2022, the County suggests the following process:

  
  

  1. The closing attorney may look up the fire fee invoice amount on the County’s website using the parcel PIN or property address. Fire Fee Lookup
  2. The closing attorney should collect the annual fire fee during the closing process and may prorate the fee between buyer and seller at that time.
  3. The closing attorney should mail the annual fire fee to:
     
     Chatham County Board of Commissioners
     C/O Billing Office
     N2930 State Rd 22
     Wautoma, WI 54982-5267
     
     Please make the check payable to Chatham County Board of Commissioners and list the Property Identification Number and Address with the check payment.
• Where is the closest hydrant?

  Visit Chatham Fire Department Public Hydrant Data

• How do I appeal errors on my fire fee invoice?

  The last day to file a Fire Fee Appeal was January 16, 2023.

  If you believe there is an error on your property record related to square footage, please contact the Board of Assessors at https://boa.chathamcountyga.gov/

• Where is the full Fire Protection Service Fee Ordinance?

  Chapter 21: Health, Safety, and Sanitation, Article XII – Fire Protection Service Fee
  County Code

• Where can I find the square footage of my home, including improved property/structures?

  Visit:   QPublic Property Search. Here you may search for your property by name, parcel number, or address.

• What structures are included in the fire fee bill?

  The list of structures billed in addition to your home is located at: County Code Book Page 93
  Chapter 21: Health, Safety, and Sanitation, Article XII – Fire Protection Service Fee.
  §21-1213 List of Ancillary structures billed in addition to the main structures

• What if I pay my fire subscription fee to my HOA/COA?

  By ordinance, Chatham County Fire Fee bills are sent to each property owner of record with the Board of Assessors for each unique PIN and using the same address used for mailing the annual property tax bill. The Chatham County Fire Fee ordinance places the responsibility on each property owner to ensure their invoice is paid. Chatham County does not group bill HOA/COAs, but we are working with them to identify properties within their jurisdiction and assist with the change in process.

• Can I opt out of paying the fire fee?

  No, payment of the fee is required by Chatham County Ordinance. In addition, most property insurers require you to pay a fire fee to ensure that your property is protected.

• My bill says I have 30 days to pay the bill. Is that true?

  Yes, your bill is due 30 days after the billing date, however, no late fee will be assessed on bills paid by January 17, 2023.

• Can I pay my bill in installments?

  Yes, you can pay installments as along as the bill is paid in full by January 17, 2023.

If you do not find the answer to your question, you can use the Contact Us Form.