UPPER MILFORD TWP., Pa. — Upper Milford Township supervisors and fire company representatives continue to mull specifics for an anticipated tax increase to support the township's fire services.
Supervisors on Thursday discussed a draft resolution that would reorganize how the township raises and manages its fire costs.
"They're trying to set this up in the best way they can for the future," Township Manager Bud Carter said.
Upper Milford has two independent volunteer fire departments — the Vera Cruz Fire Department and the Western District Volunteer Fire Department in Zionsville.
Supervisors did not elaborate on the specific option of funding that would be pursued.
"We just have to make the best financial decisions."Upper Milford Supervisor Angela Ashbrook
Options presented in past meetings include increasing the general property tax and the creation of a specific fire tax over months of discussion.
Either way, costs for residents are expected to increase.
"We just have to make the best financial decisions," Supervisor Angela Ashbrook said.
During a prior meeting, fire company officials have had to take more of their revenue share from grants, as donations fell and costs rose.
Managing the money
Main items discussed Thursday involved managing finances together or separate for each of the two fire departments, and managing refuel costs and locations.
Supervisor Daniel Mohr argued that past practices of a single fire fund have led to difficulty in avoiding impacts on the other fire department when one requires emergency funds.
Two fire trucks are expected to be bought in the coming years. Officials say they have significantly increased in price from initial projections to over $1 million.
The township now collects 0.45 of a mill and a $52 local services tax from residents, who also pay taxes to the East Penn School District and Lehigh County.
The township also has a 0.638% earned income tax.
Officials say 0.311 of the 0.45 of a mill rate currently is used for the fire company, with the remaining 0.139 of a mill for the general fund expected to remain intact if the rest moves to a new distinct fire tax.
Fire department leadership at a prior meeting raised concerns about volunteers having to pay the tax and the potential for a fire tax reducing the amount they could solicit from residents.
It was concluded that additional discussion between township and fire officials needed to continue before the final resolution comes before the public.
Discussion is expected to continue, with Carter saying a draft could be ready for vote in September.
