Upper Burrell Supervisors shelve proposal for a fire tax

Upper Burrell Supervisors on Wednesday shelved a proposal to impose a fire tax to support the township’s volunteer department in response to concerns from residents.

“The time for a tax increase is not now,” said resident Dan Myers.

Others attending Wednesday’s meeting echoed Myers, saying many residents and businesses are financially hurting because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Supervisors initially suggested a 3-mill fire tax, but then scaled down the proposal to 2 mills. At that rate, the owner of a property assessed at $20,000 would owe an extra $40 in taxes.

Supervisors defended the need for the new tax, which could help cover the cost of a new firetruck. Retired firefighters in the audience agreed a new truck is necessary.

“They have old equipment and volunteer firefighters are there every night, they need some help,” said Supervisors Chairman Ross Walker.

Residents said they wanted to better investigate the need for a new truck and how to pay for one.

Others expressed concern about the impact a tax would have not only on residents, but also on businesses. The township’s tax collector, Joyce Ewing, said if the tax was imposed, Arconic Inc. could potentially be hit with a fire tax costing thousands of dollars.

A former firefighter who previously helped with the fire department’s finances, Jeff Ewing, agreed that a new truck is needed, but said, “I want to make sure the money coming out of my pocket goes where it’s supposed to go.”

Supervisors tabled the tax proposal. Walker appointed a committee of residents, including Jeff Ewing, to review the fire department’s finances and options for a new truck.

After the committee completes its study, Walker said supervisors would revisit the issue.