CRANBERRY TWP — The township is considering offering tax credits to volunteer firefighters as a way to support its volunteers.

“It's one more tool in the toolbox to encourage and support recruitment and retention in the firefighters,” said Jerry Andree, Cranberry Township manager.

Eligible firefighters in the Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Company could earn up to a $250 earned income tax credit from the township. Firefighters will have to meet certain criteria to qualify for the tax credits, which Andree said they are still working on.

Gov. Tom Wolf signed legislation in November 2016 that authorizes townships to grant tax credits to active fire and emergency medical services volunteers. The language in the township's bill includes EMS volunteers although the township has none currently.

The board of supervisors will hold a public hearing and consider the bill for adoption at its Oct. 26 meeting.

Andree said once a firefighter is validated to be part of the program, that certification is sent to the township's tax collector Berkheimer. When the person files their annual tax returns, they will have the credit automatically applied to their return.