Public Safety Committee sends $41,242.57 fire-department supplemental appropriation to city council

At 5:45 p.m., Allentown City’s Public Safety Committee voted to send Bill 121 — a proposed $41,242.57 supplemental appropriation to the 2024 fire department budget — to the full city council with a favorable recommendation.

The measure would add $41,242.57 in state funds to support bomb-squad operations and the disposal of fireworks, money the Fire Chief said comes from a state fireworks tax enacted with recent changes to fireworks laws.

The Fire Chief (name not specified) described the source and purpose: "the monies that are being gathered from that are being used to assist fire departments and bomb squads throughout the state, with the disposal of the products." The chief said the department already has equipment and procedures in place to collect confiscated fireworks and dispose of them in a bunker, and that the appropriation would help maintain that capability: "The bunker, the trailer, and just afford the opportunities to be able to do this."

Councilman Zukul presented the bill summary to the committee, saying Bill 121 "amends the 2024 fire department budget to provide for a supplemental appropriation of $41,242.57, from the, from the state. The funds will be utilized to support the bomb squad and ensure disposal of fireworks." Committee members asked no further questions of substance during the discussion.

Councilman Zukul moved to send the bill to the full council with a favorable recommendation; the committee chair (name not specified) seconded the motion. The committee approved the motion by voice vote; the chair announced, "All those in favor, say aye. Aye. The ayes have it. It'll go favorably to city council, and this meeting will be adjourned." The transcript does not record a roll-call tally.

The next step for Bill 121 is consideration by the full Allentown City Council. The committee record does not specify a council hearing date.