(1) In order to receive credit for service under the VFCA, volunteer fire companies must file an "annual certificate" with MPERA. The certification is a report by the fire chief that the members listed on the certificate were active for the full fiscal year and also had the required 30 hours of training. This report is on a fiscal year basis (July through June) and is due by September 1 of each year. The annual certificate is signed by the fire chief and notarized. Annual certificate forms are provided by MPERA.

(2) Annual certificates filed after the September 1 due date must be appealed to and considered by the board for approval. Information provided to the board by the fire chief or designated official must include:

(a) the original, notarized annual certificate;

(b) certified training documents showing the required 30 hours of training per listed member;

(c) a letter from the fire chief explaining why the annual certificate was not filed timely; and

(d) if requested by the fire chief, oral argument before board.