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Blue Rock fire commission reports increased costs, fundraising push and troubles with new rescue vehicle
Summary
The Blue Rock Regional Fire Commission reported higher fuel and vehicle‑maintenance costs, 93 year‑to‑date calls, a developing fundraising campaign and problems with a new rescue unit that the commission may pursue legally to resolve.
Linda, speaking for the Blue Rock Regional Fire Commission, reported on the commission’s May meeting and provided financial and operational highlights to council.
Why it matters: the commission said its financial reports show higher outlays tied to filling oil and propane tanks at the end of heating season and unusually high vehicle‑maintenance costs; those line items affect the commission’s near‑term budget and potential requests for assistance or grants.
Linda said year‑to‑date call totals for the commission were 93 calls, with 54 in the township (8 false alarms), 19 in the borough (7 false alarms), and the remainder outside the district. She said the commission’s marketing and fundraising group is developing a campaign; retired fundraiser Jerry Eckhart from Millersville University has offered assistance and the commission has engaged Senator Scott Martin’s office to explore state grant possibilities.
The commission reported trouble with a new rescue vehicle and said the chief is working with the dealer to obtain reimbursement; the board recommended legal action if the manufacturer or dealer does not resolve the problem. Linda noted the commission has historically received free IT maintenance but may need to begin paying for IT services in future budgets; she said the commission has saved over $150,000 via a long‑standing IT arrangement.
On capital projects, Linda said building projects are awaiting state approval of an archaeological study and that the engineer continues to advance land‑development plans. Fundraising tiers were presented, with named‑donation levels (examples given for building and rain‑garden naming rights) and smaller donor opportunities described.
Council did not take formal action on the Blue Rock report at the meeting; the report was presented for information and to highlight potential funding and legal needs that the commission may pursue.
