EASTON, MARYLAND — The Talbot County Council on Sept. 8 introduced Bill No. 1654 to amend Chapter 182, the Volunteer Emergency Services Longevity Award Program.

The meeting agenda describes the bill as clarifying who counts as an “active volunteer member,” amending records and the point system, and providing qualifying members monthly benefits of at least $100 for life, with the ability to earn additional monthly benefits subject to certain conditions. A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., together with hearings on Bill No. 1653 and Resolution Nos. 396–398.

County meeting highlights posted Sept. 10 use that same $100 floor and the extra-benefits language.

Talbot County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association Vice President Phil Starkey told WBOC the association is asking the council to add $50 a month for every additional five years of service past 25 years. He said members with at least 25 years, age 62 or older, and active status now receive $242 a month.

“This program will eliminate us having to ask as people accumulate more years. The program will automatically bump itself up. We don't have to go to council and ask for more money for payouts,” Starkey said.

Current Chapter 182, last rewritten in 2017 by Bill No. 1357, still lists $100 a month for life, or “such an amount as set in the County budget,” after age 62 and 25 years of certified active volunteer service. An active volunteer member is defined as a person who accumulates at least 50 points in a calendar year.

Council Vice President Pete Lesher told WBOC the county will ask its finance office to estimate the cost now and in later years.

“Undoubtedly, the bill is going to be bigger. I'm still convinced that it's going to be a good deal,” Lesher said.

Starkey told WBOC that of about 500 emergency responders across the county's seven volunteer fire stations, between 140 and 170 now qualify for the longevity benefit.