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Blue Rock fire commission reports fundraising progress and engineering work on new station
Summary
Officials and volunteers say fundraising has raised six figures for a new Blue Rock fire station, archaeological and stormwater work is underway on the site off State Road, and grants have been submitted to fund sprinklers and alarms.
The Blue Rock Regional Fire Commission reported progress on a proposed new fire station and on operations during a council meeting Thursday, saying volunteers have advanced planning, engineering and fundraising while continuing daily emergency responses.
Commission representatives told Millersville Borough Council that volunteers began reviewing draft plans for a new building and left copies of the plans at each station for continued review. An archaeological study of the land identified no significant finds, and engineers working with PennDOT were evaluating access because the property fronts State Road.
Officials said stormwater and grading plans for the new-site parcel are complete and that 3 to 4 acres of land purchases are being considered strictly for stormwater management. The commission reported that, through 2024 fundraising activity, it had raised about $115,559.20 for the new building project and previously reported roughly $101,000 in donations. A formal fundraising campaign was planned to begin in January and include a volunteer firefighters’ committee and an honorary chair for the campaign.
Commissioners gave an operational update: monthly call volumes fluctuated across the district. One earlier month recorded 91 total calls (44 in the township with 7 false alarms; 27 in the borough with 10 false alarms). Another month reported Blue Rock with 93 total calls, 50 in the township (3 false alarms) and 22 in the borough (9 false alarms). The total calls for January through September 2024 were reported up 55 from the same period in 2023.
Officials also described safety upgrades: federal grant applications had been submitted for existing stations; one grant (referred to for station 905) would fund a sprinkler system because firefighters live at two stations. The commission said staff will apply next year for grants to provide alarm and sprinkler systems at the new building.
Council members and staff noted vehicle maintenance costs and monthly mandatory maintenance checks for apparatus. The commission said interest income on invested funds had decreased; the guaranteed rate on a fund had expired and the month produced about $2,909 in interest.
Council members asked questions about timing for architectural work; the commission expects to meet with the building committee before the end of the year and begin architect engagement in January. Santa-run fundraisers and other community events were cited as continuing fundraising activities.
The report did not include a formal vote. Council accepted the commission’s update and proceeded to other agenda items.
