Bensalem Approves Tax Increase For Fire Companies (ICYMI)

BENSALEM, PA — Fire companies in Bensalem will be getting a financial boost after voters on Tuesday approved a tax increase to benefit them.

The referendum, which called for a one-mill property tax hike to benefit the six companies, was approved by voters on Tuesday, 9,189 to 6,991.

The question read: "Shall the Township Council of the Township of Bensalem be authorized to increase the real property tax for the operation and maintenance of the volunteer fire companies serving the Township by an additional one (1) mill?"

"We want to thank all the Bensalem residents who supported the fire companies by passing the referendum yesterday," Trevose Fire Company Chief Ed Frydlewicz wrote on Facebook Wednesday morning.

In Bensalem, the average property's assessed value for tax purposes is $23,600. That would amount to a $23.60 annual increase in property taxes, officials say. The township's council approved putting the question to voters earlier this year.

The six volunteer fire companies in Bensalem are Cornwells, Eddington, Newport, Nottingham Trevose and Union. Representatives have said that their costs have gone up in recent years, particularly on the prices of fire equipment.

The township budgeted about $1.5 million for the companies in its 2018 budget. They also receive funds from the state and through private fundraisers.

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