Williamsport to accept senator earmark, replace damaged fire department trailer with $2,500 local match

The Williamsport Finance Committee reviewed a resolution to accept funding and complete purchase of a replacement fire-rescue boat trailer after the department’s trailer was damaged in May.

Chief Sam (Williamsport Bureau of Fire) told the committee that a trailer was damaged in an incident in May and that grant staff—Valerie Fessler and Melanie—worked with Senator Yaw’s office and a staffer named Liz Volman to secure an earmark. Committee members were told the earmark totals roughly $43,000 and the city is responsible for a local match of about $2,500; the committee identified the match will come from the department’s supplies-and-materials budget.

Chief Sam said the replacement trailer is already on site. Finance staff (Jamie Livermore) confirmed that once the Springbrook purchase paperwork is in order, the finance office will issue payment so the title can be transferred. Committee members thanked staff and the vendor partners; Chief Sam also noted a company (DLX) provided a temporary trailer while the replacement was arranged.

The resolution to accept the earmark and authorize the purchase will be presented to the full city council on Thursday for formal approval. No formal vote was taken by the finance committee during this meeting.

Proper names mentioned include the Williamsport Bureau of Fire, Senator Yaw’s office, Liz Volman (senate staffer), DLX (vendor) and Cumberland Marine (vendor referenced in the resolution title).