Woodward Township Considers “Fire Tax” to Assist Dunnstown Fire Department

DUNNSTOWN – The Woodward Township supervisors took the case for a “fire tax” to financially assist the Dunnstown Fire Company.

The supervisors held the second of two public sessions before a large crowd at the fire hall Tuesday night. Some 50 or 60 township residents attended, some of those speaking against the imposition of a new 1 mill real estate tax for 2020, some in favor; as explained at the meeting, proceeds would be distributed by the township to the fire company on an as need basis.

Dunnstown Fire Chief Justin Baker made a power-point presentation on the costs of maintaining a volunteer department. It was indicated the firemen have all but exhausted their fundraising mechanisms.

Supervisor chairman Kyle Coleman said afterwards that after two public meetings, a majority of township residents “have a better understanding of what needs to be done” to keep the fire company in operation. Coleman said state township law will allow for assessment of the fire tax. He said the supervisors will hold their regular Tuesday, Jan. 21 meeting at the fire hall, rather than the township building, meeting time 7 p.m.

Likely on the agenda, he said, will be a vote on a 1 mill special real estate fire tax. He said the funds generated should assist the township and the Dunnstown firemen in providing a longterm solution to the funding matter. Coleman said there is sufficient time, with approval from the supervisors, to get the tax onto the 2020 tax bills for township property owners. The township’s current real estate levy is 2.5 mills.