ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Three Lehigh County fire departments were expected to split more than $600,000 in funding Wednesday.
But a one-character error in the board of commissioners’ proposed legislation forced the body to postpone that vote for two weeks.
Bill 18 is meant to fund upgrades and repairs at three fire training centers; Whitehall Township and Emmaus stand to get $266,000 and $180,000, respectively, while Allentown would get $300,000 under the bill that was up for a vote Wednesday.
The Whitehall Township Fire Department is planning to build a bigger classroom space, an upgrade that’s “well overdue."Fire Chief Mark Bilder
However, Allentown should get $200,000, according to board Chairman Geoff Brace and a memo explaining the legislation.
The board on Wednesday voted to correct that mistake and schedule the amended bill for a second reading and vote at its next meeting April 9.
Allentown and Emmaus fire departments plan to use their funding to “modernize” their burn towers, the memo states. Allentown also plans to build a concrete simulator at its fire academy on Lehigh Street.
The Whitehall Township Fire Department has earmarked its funding to build a new modular classroom space to serve more trainees, an upgrade that’s “well overdue,” Fire Chief Mark Bilder told commissioners.
