Fire service agreement creates debate

Benner Township's proposed changes at issue in meeting

Jessica VanderKolk

- For the CDT

BELLEFONTE — Two suggested amendments to the shared fire service agreement being debated by the borough and three neighboring townships caused a noisy discussion among Borough Council members Monday night.

Council discussed the agreement during the work session before its regular meeting, cutting into the formal meeting time by about 30 minutes. Members debated, raising their voices and each demanding their time to speak.

At issue are two proposed amendments made by Benner Township Supervisors Chairman John Elnitski Jr. He first offered the proposals in February, but Bellefonte Borough Manager Ralph Stewart admitted Monday he did not forward those amendments to the council then.

The original agreement, which puts in writing what Benner, Marion and Spring townships will pay Bellefonte for service from the Logan and Undine volunteer fire departments, was delivered to the townships in August 2008. Earlier this month, the borough sent a follow- up letter to the townships, asking they sign the agreement by the end of 2009 if they wish to continue receiving services.

Elnitski’s amendments would require agreement from every municipality under the plan if the budget faces more than a 5 percent increase, or if the fire equipment purchase plan changes.

“We just want some clauses in there to make sure that we come to the table if something changes,” Elnitski said. “We have no problem with the rest of the agreement.”

Stewart elaborated later that, in February, Bellefonte would not accept a cap on increases, particularly after a year of spiking gas prices. He said discussion after February “was minimal” as the municipalities discussed forming a task force to focus on regional fire service needs.

Some Borough Council members thought the amendments’ wording would give the townships veto power, perhaps preventing needed equipment purchases. Council President Frank Halderman pointed out the borough is selling the townships a service. “I think we bent over backwards to be cooperative,” he said. “Whatever is good for Bellefonte is what I want.”

Elnitski said he doesn’t believe the amendments would give townships veto power but, because of the share of the fire services budget that would be paid by Benner, he wants the township to have a voice on budget and equipment issues. According to the 2010 tentative financial figures, Benner would pay about 34 percent and Bellefonte 40 percent of the almost $245,000 budget.

“I think we should all have a voice,” Elnitski said. “We’ll keep trying as long as Bellefonte’s willing to listen, but we haven’t gotten a response. When you pay 34 percent, your constituents expect you to sign an agreement that shows you’re paying 34 percent.”

Elnitski said the wording of the amendments is not set in stone.

Councilman Charles Aikens said the borough can’t afford to “go it alone” and said that if it does, it may have to merge the Logan and Undine departments into a smaller one.

“Downsizing means some radical changes this community hasn’t seen before,” Aikens said. “The days of Bellefonte running things are over.”