Upper Burrell to audit fire company’s books to quell concerns over proposed fire tax

Not only are some Upper Burrell residents resistant to paying a proposed 2-mill fire tax, but they have wanted, and just got, the township to pay an auditor to review the fire company’s finances.

Supervisors rolled out a proposal for a 3-mill fire tax in August, then reduced the proposed tax to 2 mills but shelved it for further study because of uproar from residents.

Former firefighters and residents have questioned the need for such a tax. However, they agree the company does need a new fire truck, as the current one is almost 24 years old.

The township fire department recently held a public viewing of the fire truck they would like to buy: A Pierce 100-foot quint with a 107-foot ladder. It costs between $850,000 and $950,000.

“Many people want to know why for 75 years, the fire company never asked for help and why now, they can’t get equipment on their own,” said Ross Walker, chairman of the township supervisors.

Some residents, many former firefighters, have been calling for an audit, and supervisors are giving it to them to settle concerns about the finances of the volunteer company.

The township has hired Deluzio & Co. LLP of Greensburg to audit the fire company’s books. Walker met with one of the accountants and said the audit will begin soon. He expects to have the results in the next month or two.

“The audit is to let the public know that the fire company is being a good steward with its funds and not wasting any taxpayer money,” Walker said.

The fire company receives about $90,000 from the township: A local services tax paid by people who work in the township provides about $35,000; the township earmarks $20,000 out of its budget and pays for the fire company’s fuel and insurance.

“We are ready to open our books,” fire Chief Bryan Fitch said last month. Fitch did not return call immediately last week for comment.

Walker expects the audit to cost between $3,000 and $5,000, or possibly more if there’s a need to go back multiple years, he said.

After township supervisors have the results, they will convene a committee to study the fire company’s purchase of the new engine and the proposed fire tax.

The debate is whether the ladder, a component costing more than $100,000, is needed because surrounding fire companies can provide a ladder.

Fire company officials have said the ladder is necessary because of the long setbacks between roads and a typical township rural home. They say having their own ladder would give them quicker response time to battle a fire and save lives.

After Walker saw the proposed fire truck last month, he said, “There is a safety argument to be made for the ladder.”