Listening session held on possible fire tax in Flemington Boro
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FLEMINGTON -- Flemington Borough residents had an opportunity to voice their thoughts regarding a possible fire tax before it makes its way to a council discussion.
Flemington Borough's Finance Committee and the Goodwill Hose Fire Company held a listening session Monday night regarding a potential fire tax within the borough.
The session, according to Finance Committee Chair Jo LaRoque, was to hear from the community before any possible action or consideration was brought to borough council.
The session, held Monday night at the Red Eye Center, featured a presentation by the fire company and brief information from LaRoque about the finance committee's discussions so far.
LaRoque told the over a dozen individuals gathered that the fire company approached the borough about a potential fire tax during its Sept. 14 meeting.
Since then, the finance committee met and reviewed information presented by the fire company before deciding to hold a listening session to hear from the public. The committee also spoke with multiple municipalities within Clinton, Centre and Lycoming counties about if they had a fire tax and the procedures and steps they took if there was one.
LaRoque said, if the committee were to make a recommendation, it would suggest council consider adopting a 0.2 mill fire tax for 2024. That would equate to $24 a year for someone with a property assessed at $120,000. According to LaRoque, the average value of homes within Flemington are assessed at about this rate.
If the fire tax rate were to be considered, LaRoque said that would equate to $11,900 each year.
Prior to hearing from residents and taxpayers in attendance, Assistant Fire Chief Dustin Houtz gave a presentation regarding the status of the fire company.
As of this week, the fire company's income is $60,272.66 which includes donations, grant funds and fundraising, according to fire company treasurer Rebecca Mellott.
In terms of expenses, Mellott said the total currently sits at $72,643.18, meaning the company is in a deficit of $12,370.52.
In terms of donations, to date, Mellott said it has received $4,587.83 from residents, businesses and other organizations.
According to Houtz's presentation, when it comes to certain items like replacing parts of turnout gear -- which cost $22,976 per person -- "if it weren't for grants, we wouldn't have new gear."
He noted that each piece of equipment in turnout gear has a life expectancy based on insurance providers.
Houtz also touched on fundraising efforts and volunteer hours.
He said, in terms of fundraising, a volunteer on average will put about 15 hours into special events; 174 hours in food sales; 45 hours at the annual Clinton County Carnival; and 64 hours at the Clinton County Fair. All other volunteer hours for various purposes averages at 328.
Houtz further noted training hours average 100 each year.
Following the presentation, residents were given the opportunity to comment. Some passed on the opportunity, while others voiced their thoughts regarding the issue.
Many of those present felt the tax could be unfair to those who make efforts to raise their property's value.
Resident Ed Miller questioned the fairness of paying more into the fire tax for his own home, which he estimated could be valued at around $200,000, compared to another resident who may not take as good of care of their property.
"I work my butt off to keep my property nice," he said.
Resident Kevin Tripp said he felt the fire company could have more opportunities for fundraising if it utilized the Red Eye Center more.
"One of my biggest concerns is, I belong to another fire company, you guys have a solid money maker sitting here," he said.
Doug Lamey agreed with Tripp's assessment.
"You're sitting on a gold mine with this building. It could have many other uses," Lamey said. He noted his home is down the street and he doesn't see as much activity as he feels could be possible.
Fire Chief Gary Mellott said the fire company does rent out the space, including a wedding the weekend prior. It costs $250 per day to rent the space.
Lamey later questioned the fairness of a tax that could be higher for those with a higher property tax assessment.
"It should be a set amount," he said.
George McKinney, a borough resident and member of Dunnstown Fire Company, spoke favorably of the tax.
He noted the fire tax in Woodward Township is set at 1 mill and brings in about $134,000 a year due to a higher rate and larger volume of taxed properties.
McKinney said at the time of discussion in the township, it approached the city of Lock Haven to see how much coverage would cost.
At the time, he said the city proposed $134,000 a year to provide coverage to the municipality.
"The minimum amount you might have to pay in a fire tax is less than if the city has to come here," he said.
Bill Gephart said he wished the fire company would do more to bring in funding.
"It's volunteer, yes, but you've got to look at it as a business," he said.
Following public comment, LaRoque said the finance committee will meet before Thursday's council meeting where it will offer its findings and present a recommendation.
The public is invited to attend the meeting, which is held at 7 p.m. in the borough building, 126 High St., Suite 1, Flemington.