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Citizens Fire Co. purchase of UTV draws questions about Fire Tax transparency
Summary
Citizens Fire Co. bought a UTV for brush-fire response using Fireman’s Relief funds; supervisors and residents pressed the company for more transparency about purchases funded by the new Fire Tax and asked the fire company to brief the board before major purchases.
Citizens Fire Co. told the Upper Milford Township Board of Supervisors on Feb. 5 that it purchased a UTV for brush-fire response using Fireman’s Relief funds, prompting questions from supervisors and residents about transparency now that the township collects a Fire Tax.
Manager Edward Carter summarized the issue and said the company reported the purchase to the Emergency Services Committee. Lucas Andrews, speaking for Citizens Fire Co., said the UTV "has been on the agenda for them to purchase for about 3 years" and that the company used Fireman’s Relief funds rather than township capital-reserve funds so as not to draw on reserves for new engines.
Supervisor Angela Ashbrook criticized the lack of prior conversation with the board about the purchase, saying the decision "was not a great decision" given taxpayers are funding a substantial portion of other operating expenses through the Fire Tax. Ashbrook asked that the fire company brief the board before major purchases so the board and taxpayers have greater transparency.
Supervisor Daniel J. Mohr called the equipment "long overdue," saying it addresses access gaps in rural areas where larger apparatus cannot reach. Public commenters and other supervisors sought clarity about which accounts paid for the purchase and whether related accessories (a future trailer) would be paid from fundraising rather than tax revenue.
Lucas Andrews said the UTV will be fitted with a 75‑gallon tank and a stokes basket to avoid swapping skid units on scene and that a trailer would be purchased with fundraising funds. Several speakers noted the board has no formal control over funds raised privately or held in Fireman’s Relief accounts but requested the company come to the board before large purchases to maintain good transparency with taxpayers.
The board did not vote on the purchase itself; later in the meeting the board approved a separate motion allowing Fire Police to staff Vera Cruz Community Association events if available and willing (vote: Zgura yes; Ashbrook yes; Mohr abstained).
