Blue Rock Regional Fire Commission reports grants, building costs and heavy vehicle maintenance expenses

Linda, representing the Blue Rock Regional Fire Commission, reported to council on July 22 that the July commission meeting reviewed the commission’s finances and operations. She said the commission has received more than $100,000 in grants for capital needs, but that interest earnings on the capital account have dropped “in half” and the bank was being contacted about the change. Linda told council vehicle maintenance needs have been heavy this year and that most of the maintenance budget has been spent addressing mechanical issues. She provided call statistics from May (70 total calls, including 31 in the township with 6 labeled as faults, and 22 in the borough with 6 faults) and said volunteers spent nearly 24 hours assisting with flood rescues in the northeast part of the county. Linda noted fundraising plans for the commission’s new building project: campaign folders are prepared for donor meetings and a fundraising video is in production; the campaign kicked off July 12 at the Tomato Festival. She also said the archaeological study for the new building site was completed with no significant findings. Council acknowledged the report; no formal action was taken. Linda said most stormwater permits for the building project have been submitted and that two new members joined the commission in June.