Millcreek Township supervisors plan for 2027 fire tax and incentive program

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In order to foster the Newmanstown Volunteer Fire Company’s volunteer rates and ability to respond to emergencies, the Millcreek Township Board of Supervisors last Wednesday discussed a fire tax and an incentive program, which they hope to launch in 2027.

The fire tax, long discussed by the board, would be expressed as a separate millage item on residents’ property taxes and would be reserved for fire company expenses. Though volunteers respond to fires and other emergencies, fire departments must pay to replace and repair vehicles and outdated equipment, training costs, and more.

Supervisor Eric Weidman has previously expressed frustration with the requirement that fire taxes be measured in mills, stating that he would prefer a system where each property-owner paid the same amount.

An incentive program, on the other hand, would reward active volunteers with the fire department with earned income tax and/or property tax credits to incentivize new volunteers.

However, solicitor Andrew Morrow explained, the onboarding process for such a program is far from simple. The program would require administrative work, extensive records, and meeting state deadlines, with especially heavy work for administrative staff the first year.

Morrow explained that – in Millcreek, throughout the state, and beyond – volunteer fire companies are struggling to obtain and retain volunteers. He called the number of volunteers “alarmingly low” compared to the state of fire companies 50 years ago, and said that there will come a day when volunteer fire companies are no longer feasible (though said he hoped that is 50 to 60 years away).

Another limitation of the incentive program is that it is at its most effective for residents that also work within Millcreek. The township may reach out to neighboring municipalities to ask them to consider similar legislation, however, which would expand its effectiveness.

Morrow urged residents to consider donating to local fire departments and supporting their fundraisers when possible, emphasizing the service provided by volunteers.

In other news, supervisors:

• Discussed the first draft of the 2026 budget, with no planned tax increase.
• Heard that Morrow continues to work on a Quality of Life Ordinance, which would allow the township to ticket residents for certain outdoor violations like overgrown grass and junk on lawns.
• Unanimously acknowledged the state aid for pension of $53,325.35, with unit values of $26,662.68 for both uniform and non-uniform.
• Discussed updating signage for parks and recreation areas, including specific language concerning motorized and electric vehicles.
• Discussed the possibility of adding stop signs to some alleys where it is unclear who has the right-of-way.
• Unanimously approved a CD update with Fulton Bank.
• Unanimously authorized the township to abate a grass violation at 132 W. Main St. if not mowed by Oct. 16, and authorized Karen Brown of Commonwealth Code Associates to issue a citation if the invoice is not paid in full.
• Unanimously authorized County Planning to investigate, with the property owner’s consent, a possible sinkhole at 45 Peach St.
• Unanimously agreed to enter an agreement for the demolition of an elder housing addition at 526 Stricklerstown Road.
• Unanimously approved a YCG calibration agreement for 2026, which will provide calibration on the speed-timing devices throughout the year.
• Unanimously approved the insurance renewal contract, with a 8.46% cost increase.
• Unanimously authorized assistance to be provided for the Jack Frost Parade in Robesonia Borough.
• Unanimously approved reports and minutes.

Millcreek Township Board of Supervisors meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. These meetings are open to the public and do not require prior registration.