Newtown Borough Council voted last month to authorize its solicitor to inform Newtown Township of the borough’s decision to terminate the current fire services agreement at the end of the year.
Borough Council President Emily Heinz stated the township was “aware that this is coming and it is merely so we can restructure an agreement moving forward for 2026.”
Newtown Township Board of Supervisors Chairperson Elen Snyder said she was concerned about the termination last week.
“Unless something happens, as of January 1st, they will have no protection,” Snyder said. “Of course, that will greatly affect their ability to get insurance for their homes. So I hope they take this very seriously.”
The existing agreement stipulates the borough pays the township, which operates Newtown Fire Rescue, $192,000 annually for fire services and is responsible for 10 percent of the fire service’s capital expenses.
The payments, according to Township Manager Micah Lewis, generally cover operating expenses, insurance, fuel and other necessities for the fire department.
The borough and township have a long history of collaboration on fire protection, with the township beginning to hire career firefighters in the late 1990s to supplement the Newtown Fire Association’s volunteers.
The paid service for the borough and township has since expanded to seven days a week.
A 2021 state study indicated that the majority of Newtown Fire Rescue’s calls originate in the township, which is larger in both size and population.
In 2024, Heinz indicated the borough expected to have a “much bigger discussion” regarding the 2026 agreement.
Newtown Township supervisors are scheduled to receive more information in June regarding a potential tax credit program aimed at benefiting volunteer firefighters in the community.
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