Singerly Fire Company tells Elkton it may suspend town services without sustainable funding

Singerly Fire Company leaders told the Town of Elkton on April 15 that the volunteer organization has submitted an invoice for $1.2 million to cover 2026 fire and emergency medical services inside town limits and warned that services within the town could be suspended if the funding gap is not resolved.

Chief Fred Hill, representing Singerly Fire Company, said the $1.2 million request represents 23.07% of the company’s total operating budget. "Without a sustainable funding agreement, services within town may be discontinued after 30 days," Chief Hill said, adding that services outside town limits would continue.

Mayor Robert J. Alt told the Board the Town had doubled its budget allocation to Singerly this year but acknowledged the increase did not meet the fire company's expectations. Alt said he has met with Cecil County representatives to request consideration of doubling the hotel/motel tax and that the town’s finance director will meet with the fire company treasurer to review detailed financials. "The Town is committed to exploring a five-year planning approach and improving coordination on capital projects and grant opportunities," Alt said.

Human Resources Director Andy Rodriguez offered HR consulting help to expand recruitment beyond the department’s current Facebook-based approach. Chief Hill said recruitment of volunteer firefighters is going well, but the company has difficulty recruiting and retaining certified career personnel.

The Board did not take a formal vote or adopt a funding agreement at the meeting. Town staff were directed to continue discussions with Singerly Fire Company and county officials and to provide detailed financial information for further review.