Fire Protection in Unincorporated Chatham County

• 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.

• How long does it take for my payment to process?

  Payment by credit/debit card should be processed within 1-2 business days. Payment by check should be processed within 3-5 business days.

• I can’t afford to pay my fire service fee bill. Are there any discounts or credits I am eligible for?

  Structures classified as churches or schools have been given a 50% billing discount. There are no other credits or discounts available.

• Is there a service fee for paying my fire fee bill online?

  If you pay online or in-person, you will be assessed a 3% convenience fee using a credit or debit card. To avoid a convenience fee, you may pay by e-check online, use the return mail envelope and pay by check (do not mail cash), or you may pay in-person by check, cash (exact change, please).

• Is there a physical building I can go to pay my fire bill?

  Yes, 124 Bull Street, 3^rd Floor Finance Department.

• Why is the fire fee not included on my tax bill?

  The Chatham County Board of Commissioners established the Fire Assessment Fee to cover the cost of their contract with Chatham Emergency Service to provide fire protection within the fire district of the unincorporated areas.  Because this is a contracted service and not a County department, it has been established as a fee rather than a tax.

• Is the fire fee tax deductible?

  Because the fire service fee is a fee and not a tax, it is not tax deductible. However, your mortgage company may be willing to work with you to add it to your escrow account.

• How do I appeal the fire fee assessment?

  You may appeal your assessment for one of the following reasons: 1) You were not the owner of the property on July 1, 2023; 2) You pay a different Fire Service for protection (not homeowners or fire insurance); 3) You believe the assessed burnable square footage of all structures on your property to be incorrect by more than 179 sq ft.; 4) A $100 land fee was assessed in error for the PIN.

  Click HERE to fill out an appeal form for your FY24 fire fee assessment.

• Do senior citizens or veterans have to pay the fire fee?

  Yes, payment is required by the Chatham County Ordinance.

• What happens if I don’t pay my Fire Fee?

  A late fee of $25 or 10% of the outstanding balance, whichever is greater, will be applied. A court date in Recorders court will follow for continued non-payment of the fee plus late fee. If it is not resolved in Recorders court, the case will be transferred to Magistrate Court, where the outcome may result in a lien being placed on the property to recover the Fire Fee and all late fees and court costs.

• 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
     
     
     Please make the check payable to Chatham County Board of Commissioners and list the Property Identification Number and Address with the check payment.
• 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.

• Can I pay my fire service fee bill in installments?

  Yes, partial payments are accepted but the full amount must be paid by the due date listed on the bill to avoid late charges. Structured payment plans are not available. The property owner must ensure the bill has been paid in full by the due date to avoid late fees and court citations.

• 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 fire services protection fee is based on how big your property is and what can burn on your property. If you have items that can catch fire, you are charged 14 cents per square foot. If your total square footage is less than 714 square feet or you don't have anything that can burn, your bill will be $100.

• 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?

  Fire Service Fee bills will be mailed out this fall.

• 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.organd click “E-file.”

• Where is the closest hydrant?

  Visit Chatham Fire Department Public Hydrant Data

• 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.

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