§7-1-3d. Levy for, establishment and operation of fire prevention units; financial aid.
The county commission in any county may levy for and may erect, maintain and operate fire stations and fire prevention units and equipment therefor in the county: Provided, That if a county commission establishes a separate fire protection unit in any city in West Virginia that is now operating under the provisions of the state civil service act for paid fire departments, then the new unit shall be operated in accordance with the provisions of the civil service act. Any county commission may render financial aid to any one or more public fire protection facilities in operation in the county for the general benefit of the public in the prevention of fires. Any county commission may also authorize volunteer fire companies or paid fire departments to charge reasonable reimbursement fees for personnel and equipment used in performing fire-fighting services, victim rescue or cleanup of debris or hazardous materials by department personnel. The rate for any such fees to be charged to property owners or other persons responsible or liable for payment for such services must be approved by the county commission and must be reasonable: Provided, however, That no fee for any single incident or accident shall exceed five hundred dollars, except an incident or accident involving hazardous materials. The county commission shall require that any fees charged pursuant to the authority conferred by this section must be in writing and be itemized by specific services rendered and the rate for each service.