Council approves three‑year intergovernmental fire‑services agreement with Mill Hall, amid funding and equipment questions

Lock Haven — Council voted to approve an intergovernmental cooperation agreement for the city to provide fire protection services to Mill Hall Borough beginning Jan. 1, 2026. The draft agreement pairs the city with local volunteer companies and included a proposed financial contribution from Mill Hall based on a 0.5‑mill tax assessment.

Fire advisory board members and city staff presented the proposal and a tentative funding schedule. Discussion focused on three main points: (1) whether the equal split of funds between two volunteer companies reflected actual response workload and manpower, (2) the city’s commitment in the draft to acquire or otherwise provide two additional engine‑tankers (staff noted a short‑term plan could include a 500‑gallon bumper unit with future purchases or leases for larger units in the 1,200‑gallon range), and (3) how to avoid tying the city to long‑term equipment purchases if Mill Hall’s participation were temporary. Staff said mutual‑aid arrangements and fire‑relief funds could be used to acquire equipment, and that any purchase could be structured so the fire relief organization or volunteer companies make equipment buys.

Councilmembers expressed concern about committing to significant equipment purchases for a three‑year agreement and asked for cost estimates; several members said a one‑year trial or clearer exit terms would reduce risk. After discussion, a motion to adopt the intergovernmental agreement as presented passed on a roll‑call vote, 5–2 (Council members Frinker and Stevenson voted no). Council recorded that Mill Hall has a one‑year grace period to pull out before longer commitments take effect.

Staff noted additional details and cost breakdowns will be provided to council as the agreement is implemented and that volunteer organizations and fire‑relief funds could participate in equipment purchases.