Jackson supervisors table discussion on fire company funding support

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The Jackson Township Board of Supervisors tabled discussion on funding support for Keystone and Kutztown fire companies at their Aug. 17 meeting.

Supervisors had previously requested exact price quotes from the fire companies for vehicles they plan to purchase before moving forward with providing financial aid, which they presented.

Keystone Hook & Ladder deputy chief Mike Shaak said they plan to order a heavy-duty rescue pumper from Pierce Manufacturing priced at $1,250,795 with an approximately four-year lead time. If paid within 30 days of ordering, the price can be discounted to $1,080,065.

Kutztown Community Fire Company plans to purchase a pumper tanker from Sutphen Corp. at $1,401,983.93, said deputy chief Jordan Behm. If fully prepaid, that total can be discounted to $1,323,122.33.

By signing an interoperability agreement, Keystone and Kutztown would combine resources in an effort to decrease expenses. Though two new vehicle purchases are in the works, Shaak emphasized the companies are reducing their overall fleet from seven vehicles to five as a result of their pending partnership.

Vice chair Michael Dunkle asked if they had presented a request for aid to Myerstown Borough. Shaak said not yet, but they plan to in the future. He noted that while Keystone’s building is located within Myerstown Borough, they respond to more calls in Jackson Township. Of the 400 calls they responded to in 2025, 212 were in Jackson Township. Shaak said Keystone serves the eastern, southern, and western areas of Jackson Township, with Kutztown serving the northern portion.

Supervisor Thomas Houtz reiterated a motion from the last meeting to approve the fire company’s request for approximately $500,000, which would be given as a loan and could be repaid with future fire tax collection. The motion failed, with secretary Thomas Morrissey Jr. and vice chair Michael Dunkle passing a separate motion later in the evening to table discussion until next month. 

Morrissey said the township has more research to do, such as obtaining clearer projected numbers for a proposed local services tax, before proceeding and that the companies need to execute their partnership agreement. Behm said they anticipate signing the agreement at their September meeting.

Solicitor Paul Bametzreider said he will look into what amount may be generated by a local services tax in the township.

In other news:

• Custer Excavating anticipates starting work on the North Ramona Road culvert replacement in early September with a completion goal of Sept. 15.
• Supervisors approved an ordinance requiring that new construction within 150 feet of the public water system must be connected to the system.
• Supervisors approved an agreement on proposed streetlights for Fairlane Avenue.
• Elected auditor Kevin Williams presented the 2025 township audit report to supervisors, noting there were no issues. Supervisors unanimously accepted the approval of the audit, which was conducted by Williams and fellow elected auditors Joann Steinmetz and Richard Stoner. On behalf of the auditors, Williams suggested supervisors consider setting a minimum dollar amount for what should be kept in the township reserve fund. He said the reserve fund was at its peak in 2020 at approximately $6 million, and it is now at just over $5 million. Houtz said he appreciates the recommendation but that would not be something they are legally permitted to have future board members to adhere to.
• Houtz requested the recreation committee take up the issue of electric bikes and scooters in township parks. Dunkle and roadmaster Bryan Weaver, who serve on the recreation board, said they are in the process of creating a new rule list for parks.
• Houtz thanked everyone involved in planning and hosting the successful National Night Out in the township Aug. 4. 

Jackson Township supervisors meet next at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 8 at 60 N. Ramona Road. The township office will be closed Sept. 7 for Labor Day.