Jackson Township supervisors discuss new taxes for local services, firefighters

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The Jackson Township Board of Supervisors discussed implementing a local services tax and a fire tax in 2027 to help fire companies pay for rising equipment and operating costs that exceed their fundraising income.

The board approved a motion for the township solicitor to move forward on a draft review for a local services tax at $52 per capita, which if approved would be applied to those employed within Jackson Township. They also approved a motion for a draft review of a fire tax, with numbers to be determined.

Kutztown Community Fire deputy chief Jordan Behm and Keystone Hook and Ladder deputy chief Mike Shaak explained that ever-increasing costs have exceeded fundraising outcomes for years, making safe operations less sustainable. 

Behm and Shaak said fire engine costs alone have risen from approximately $600,000 a decade ago to more than $1 million. Ladder trucks can cost as much as $2.5 million. Kutztown has two vehicles over 20 years old and Keystone has a vehicle over 20 years old, all in need of replacement.

Each company has experienced an ongoing decline in fundraising contributions. Shaak said 22% of businesses and 19% of residences in the township donate to a fire company. 

“Eighty percent of residents and businesses do not pay for fire service,” said Shaak. “Volunteerism should never be confused with free service. The cost of providing professional level emergency response continues to rise regardless of whether firefighters receive a paycheck.”

Kutztown and Keystone are in the process of formalizing an interoperability agreement between their organizations. Unlike a merger, the agreement allows them to work together while maintaining independent identities, including joint equipment purchasing and shared maintenance.

The fire companies anticipate formally signing the document later in August. It has already been presented to the township and its solicitor for review. 

Behm and Shaak requested financial assistance from the township in purchasing two replacement fire vehicles, as well as in establishing a long-term funding solution for local fire safety services.

Early in the evening’s discussion, a motion made by chairman Thomas Houtz to financially support the purchase of one fire truck for each organization through general funds did not receive a second. Secretary Thomas Morrissey Jr. and vice chair Michael Dunkle said they would like to hear exact numbers for proposed vehicle purchases before proceeding.

Eight municipalities in the county have both a local services tax and a fire tax. Houtz said the township collects approximately $140,000 in annual property taxes.

Jackson Township has the second lowest tax rate in Lebanon County, with current rates as follows:

• Municipal real estate tax: 0.1801 mills
• Per capita tax rate: $5
• Streetlight tax: $42 flat rate, road frontage 400’ radius
• Hydrant tax: $10 flat rate, road frontage 780’ radius

In other business, supervisors:

• Heard an update that Woodland Contractors is set to begin work on the next phase of Wheatland Woods Lot 107 on Aug. 10. 
• Approved a $9,000 bid from Woodland Contractors – the lower of two bids – to install a fence around the dangerous structure at 425 W. Main Ave.
• Approved a second payment of $11,000 for the South Ramona Road bridge.
• Heard a comment from resident Ann Gruber asking if an option for electronic payment of sewer bills could be added. Gruber also requested previously purchased monitors be used to display documents viewed by supervisors during meetings so they could be visible to those in attendance.

Jackson Township supervisors meet again at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 17 at 60 N. Ramona Road. An auditor meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Aug. 11.