The fire substation in Newtown Township.
File photo
A petition has begun circling online to maintain the relationship between the Newtown Fire Association (NFA) and Newtown Township.
The petition, which as of Monday evening had already garnered more than half of its goal of 500 signatures, was started by a “concerned citizen” in response to a proposal last week by Township Manager Kurt Ferguson to sever to relationship the township has with the NFA and work instead with their own volunteer department and eight paid firefighters.
The petition would allegedly be sent to Ferguson as well as other township officials once it reaches 500 signatures.
“[The] proposal is stating that the township wishes to dissolve their current relationship with the volunteer fire company shared with Newtown borough for their own volunteer fire company. This in turn means that the township will have to purchase all new equipment and find new volunteers,” notes the online petition. “This will cause an increase in taxes and reduced man power to protect the township residents. The township and Mr. Furgerson need to do what is right for the people of the township and continue their current relationship with the NFA.”
As reported by NewtownPANow.com last week, Ferguson, who recommended the proposed new volunteer company begin in 2018, said suspending the agreement would allow the township to keep about $300,000 in funds. The money comes about half from local taxes and the other portion comes from the state. Under the proposal, the township would hire a deputy fire chief and work with surrounding volunteer departments to coordinate volunteers as well as equipment. Working with fire companies in Upper Makefield and Wrightstown could also eventually lead to cost sharing, the township manager said.
According to Ferguson, a regional approach would be taken to help ensure adequate coverage and public safety in times when it’s harder for local fire departments to attract volunteers and raising funds to buy equipment.
“There is a constant struggle as far as having needed volunteers,” Ferguson said, adding regionalizing fire services would help keep the community safe.
The paid department, which covers the township about 60 hours per week, and the new volunteer company would be based out of the township complex on Eagle Road.
The Newtown Fire Association is based in Newtown Borough and also current provides emergency response service for the township out of a substation by the township building.
“I believe this fundamental change is a better model for fire service in the township moving forward,” Ferguson said.A 2,000-square foot addition to the public works garage for the new volunteer fire company, the purchase of gear for about 15 volunteer firefighters and obtaining a used fire truck would be included in the proposed 2017 budget, Ferguson said.
Will Fabian, the president of the association, is expected to speak in front of the board regarding the relationship at this week’s Board of Supervisors meeting on October 26.
