Towns and counties across the Eastern Shore, struggling to recruit and retain firefighters, are turning to a new property tax credit program — a strategy they hope will bolster staffing and spark residential growth.

The latest to try the practice is Ocean City, whose town council unanimously approved up to $2,500 in annual tax credits for active volunteer firefighters on Monday. Dorchester and Wicomico also use the practice, as does Salisbury. Beyond the Shore, Calvert and Prince George’s also offer tax credit deals.

The project follows years of staffing shortages that have pushed Maryland fire companies toward higher-paid staffing and new incentives to keep volunteers.

Ocean City Deputy Fire Chief James L. Jester praised the credit as “a great tool” and said the town’s high housing cos

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