Newtown Township and Newtown Borough have reached an agreement on a fire services contract.
The Newtown Township Board of Supervisors voted last week to move forward with a $275,000 deal that ensures the borough receives full-time fire protection services through the remainder of 2026.
The approval follows a period of friction between the local governments. The township had originally requested $350,000 from the borough for the 2026 calendar year, a figure that led to a temporary deadlock in negotiations.
While the agreement secures coverage for the current year, officials noted that the long-term details of the partnership remain undecided.
“For 2027 and beyond we are entering negotiations to understand what that relationship looks like going forward,” said Supervisor Chairman Edward Merriman, who stated the current deal is a temporary measure.
Vice Chairperson Melissa Merk said that ongoing discussions with the borough are now focused on establishing a fair cost-sharing model for 2027 and the years to follow.
The two municipalities have a long history of cooperation regarding fire services. Newtown Fire-Rescue and the township-run department used paid crews to supplement the work of local volunteer firefighters.
The funding shift comes as Newtown Township continues its transition from a volunteer-based model to a paid fire service that also includes volunteers.
