Alabama Attorney General Opinion 1979-0028

# THE ATTORNEY GENERAL STATE OF ALABAMA · MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 3613 [LOGO] CHARLES A. GRADDICK ATTORNEY GENERAL 79-00028 January 31, 1979 File 24 Representative Charles W. Whatley House of Representatives Route 5, Box 296 Opelika, AL 36801 Volunteer Fire Department - Municipalities - Funds Volunteer Fire Department cannot receive state matching funds. Dear Representative Whatley: Reference is made to your request for an opinion from the Attorney General as to whether the volunteer fire departments in the fire districts of Russell County can receive state matching funds. These fire districts were established by an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama which was ratified in the November 1978 general election. The volunteer fire departments while civic in nature and work to protect and assist the citizens of the county are private organizations, since they are not established by law. Section 94 of the Constitution of Alabama 1901 prohibits the state from giving money or a thing of value in aid of a private individual, association or organization. Therefore, a volunteer fire department is prohibited from receiving state monies under this Section. If our office can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. Very truly yours, CHARLES A GRADDICK Attorney General By Lynda F. Knight LYNDA F. KNIGHT Assistant Attorney General LFK/sg