Commission Could Be Formed To Solve Newtown's Fire Service Issues​

Fire services in Newtown Township have the ears of the Newtown Fire Association and township officials burning, as the township has floated the idea of ending its relationship with the Newtown Fire Association (NFA) in an attempt to secure long-term financial and safety benefits, according to township manager Kurt Ferguson.

With the hot topic buzzing around, the NFA and supporters crowded into the township building to voice concerns over the proposed uncoupling.

After about 40 minutes of concerned citizen comments and a statement made by NFA's William Fabian, Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman Ryan Gallagher suggested officials from the township, NFA, and Newtown Borough meet to find a solution to the issue that has raised concerns from many residents.

"I applaud Kurt for trying to be creative," he said. "He does a great job of it and has a long record of creative ideas he's come up with."

However Gallagher said he thinks the township should continue with its current partnership with the NFA.

Ferguson came to the proposal as a budgetary measure, saying the if the township kept the $170,000 of the fire tax it allocates to the NFA, plus hold on to the $130,000 of annual state funding, the township would be able to transition its existing department to establish a volunteer staff that would serve during the times currently covered by the NFA.

Gallagher questioned whether or not addressing the fire services issue through a budget is the best course of action and proposed an ad hoc committee to figure out the best solution for the township, residents, and the NFA.

Gallagher proposed two board of supervisors members, two NFA members, two representatives from Newtown Borough form the commission to address, line by line, the fiscal issues raised by Ferguson regarding the township's fire services.

No official action was taken at Wednesday's meeting.

The NFA also released a fact sheet, outlining the NFA's history, operations, and expenses. The fact sheet also questions Ferguson's claim that the uncoupling, which would become official in 2018, would save money for the township.

You can listen to the meeting on the township's website. The fire services discussion begins 23 minutes and 20 seconds into the video.

Photo by Kara Seymour