Trending
LEWISTOWN -- Another fire tax increase may be in the cards for the Lewistown Borough to better support the fire department's operations.
The Fire Committee last week discussed a number of challenges the department is facing during its regular meeting, which included unresolved financial issues stemming from the recent District Convention, held last August, and the need for a review of fire equipment.
Lewistown Borough Manager Kim Zimmerman said the fire department expects to increase the fire tax to 3 mills in 2025 and in the next election cycle to 4 mills.
Zimmerman said the financial quandary left in the wake of the District Convention has raised eyebrows and prompted an examination of the department's budget management and expenditure. The committee deliberated on the financial discrepancies and explored potential solutions to mitigate the fiscal strain, emphasizing the need for stringent budgetary controls and enhanced oversight to prevent future occurrences.
During the meeting, held Feb. 13, Fire Department leadership requested a financial analysis of costs, expenses, receipts and bank statements resulting from the convention. They also requested items left over from the event and plans for those items to be liquidated into cash assets.
The request is to have this presented at the next Fire Ad Hoc Committee meeting at 6 p.m. March 12.
Equally pressing was the discussion of the equipment review strategy. The committee outlined a plan to evaluate and update firefighting equipment, making sure the responders have the most reliable and effective tools to handle emergencies.
Other key points discussed during the meeting included:
• 2024 financial priorities under review: Fire Chief Bob Douglas and his team are preparing the financial priority list for 2024, with plans to discuss it in the upcoming meeting;
• Training enhancement: In collaboration with former State Fire Commissioner Ed Mann, the fire chief is organizing a class focused on enhancing the department's understanding of proper reporting channels and paperwork, particularly concerning workers' compensation;
• Heritage station's heating solution: Heritage has partially addressed its heating issues by installing mini-splits, funded internally. They are now awaiting the outcome of a $600,000 grant application aimed at station renovation;
• New maintenance plan proposal: The department is considering a new maintenance strategy for its equipment and vehicles, seeking Council support for the associated
$17,497 cost;
• Crown Vic bidding process: The Crown Vic car will be put up for bid, with the fire department not participating in the acquisition;
• Audit plans for the fire department: An audit is considered necessary for the fire department, with efforts underway to consult neighboring stations for auditor recommendations. The estimated cost from the usual firm is around $10,000, potentially covering two stations and convention analysis;
• Communication hurdles with Chapter 24(s): There has been a hiccup in delivering Chapter 24(s) via email, resulting in undelivered messages. Hard copies are available upon request;
Heritage trucks rebranding: The rebranding of Heritage Fire Department's trucks is underway, with costs exceeding $40,000 per vehicle, contingent on available funding;
Enhanced background checks: A suggestion was made to mandate background checks for firefighters, as outlined in Chapter 24, with potential amendments to incorporate this requirement;
• Department personnel: The current count of active members ready to respond to calls is about 35 for the City and 49 for Heritage;
Heritage's fundraising initiative: Heritage Fire Department is gearing up for its Band Bash event at the Moose on February 24, aiming to raise funds.
• Fire chief selection process: The validity of the written exam requirement for the fire chief position is under scrutiny, as directed by Chapter 24, with the exam prepared at the State Fire Academy;
Specialty tax account discussion: The department discussed the Specialty Tax Account, which holds about $147,000 for use, before allocations. The possibility of increasing annual allocations from the current $90,000 was explored, alongside a revision of the fund distribution between City and Heritage stations.
• Funding for new fire truck: The need to set aside funds for Heritage's new fire truck down payment was agreed upon, with contributions expected from tax increases and the fire station itself;
• City's grant success and additions: The City Fire Department has secured four grants totaling about $25,000, enabling the addition of a weight room at the City Fire Station for firefighter use;
• Challenges with electric car fires: The City discussed the complex issue of extinguishing electric car fires, which require substantial water and pose significant hazards, during a meeting with the County. The responsibility often falls back on the municipality, with plans to address this issue in an upcoming meeting;
• Community event success: The City expressed gratitude to Lewistown Borough Council for their support following a successful event at the Community Center that raised about $1,900.