EAST PENNSBORO TWP., Pa. – The East Pennsboro Township Fire Department says they are in a state of crisis. Their chicken barbecues and bingo nights are no longer bringing in the money they need to operate effectively. Forty percent of the department’s current budget comes from fundraisers. A fire truck costs about $500,000. The burden of having to raise so much money is too much for many members.
“Everyone wants to be able to go home once and a while and do something with their family,” said John Bruetsch from the East Pennsboro Township Fire Department.
Thursday night, the department, held a meeting to inform the public about their proposed fire tax.
“It’s dedicated for fire protection then, they can’t come and say, well, we need to pave a street, we’re going to take $100,000 from you,” said Bruetsch.
The meeting served as an informative one. Ultimately, this will become a township budget issue and the commissioners will vote on the budget. On average, it would cost a homeowner about $.27 per day.
“They’ve really put in all this volunteer time and I think basically it seems to be a minimal effort, on our part, to do our part for an all volunteer force,” said resident Steve Bodley.
The commissioners will make the decision by the end of the year.
