Somerset County - Property Tax - Emergency Services Tax

Somerset property owners face possible emergency tax

Somerset County Commissioners can pass a local law adding an annual emergency services tax to all property subject to county property tax. The money pays some or all costs of fire, rescue, and emergency medical services. This law does not automatically impose the tax or set a rate. Before adding or raising it, commissioners must hold a public hearing alongside the annual budget hearing, with advance public notice. The tax is collected like other county taxes. Unpaid tax becomes a lien on all property owned by the person who owes it. Interest and penalties follow county property tax rules, and property can be sold to collect the debt. The law takes effect June 1, 2025, and applies to taxable years beginning after June 30, 2025.