One of the committees directing the business of a fire department is the Foreign Fire Insurance Tax Board or FFIB. Known by other names like Foreign Fire, 2% Board, 2% Fund, etc., this group determines how best to utilize the funds collected from the two percent tax on fire insurance policies sold by out-of-state (i.e. foreign) insurance companies on properties located within the fire district.
Not every district receives these funds. Some may be unaware that these funds are available. Regardless, those districts receiving ‘2%’ have an opportunity to purchase items to benefit the department and its members.
Chaon Hanson, IA Sales Manager with Dinges Fire Company, shared how his department handles their funds.
The committee, comprised of department members and typically the fire chief, meets quarterly to review proposals from members of the department. Their goal is to spend the funds in a manner that benefits as many members of the department as possible. Purchases may include firefighting tools not provided with standard issue PPE or items for the fire house that would benefit climate and culture like exercise equipment. The goal is always to provide items that benefit the entire department, not just a few. Because the amount received in the fund changes annually, the committee is diligent in weighing pros and cons of proposals.
So how could a 2% committee spend these funds? Examples include:
