Summit Hill eyes tax credits for firefighters

Summit Hill Borough Council has been asked to consider giving a tax credit to active firefighters.

The council took no action on the proposal but was asked to give thought to the matter so it can be discussed in the future — possibly next month.

David Wargo, chairman of the Emergency Services Committee of the council, said it has gotten harder to recruit volunteers in general but especially by fire departments.

“It is the borough’s responsibility to provide fire protection to its citizens,” he said.

He said Pennsylvania Act 172 passed in 2016 allows for the borough to provide a tax break — either real estate tax or personal income tax — as an incentive to retain active firefighters.

The credit would be offered only to firefighters who provide a minimum number of hours of service.

He proposed that it be discussed at a later date.

On another note, he suggested that a list of organizations which need volunteers be compiled and placed in the borough hall.

He said then people who need hours for community service could refer to the list and see where they could help.

He said this might even be a means of getting people involved in the fire department.

In other business

• The Lehighton Ambulance Association asked council to consider donating funds to be used toward the purchase of a new F-450 ambulance and Stryker power litters.

The association also asked that it be considered for a donation in the 2019 budget to help offset costs.

Wargo suggested these requests be discussed when the council holds its budget meetings.

• The borough’s new zoning officer, Robert DeFuso, will be asked to handle Quality of Life ordinance complaints.

It was also announced that DeFuso will have office hours in the borough hall on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• The report by borough workforce Supervisor Ronald Yuricheck said four hours were spent cutting high grass at abandoned houses.

Council member Karen Ruzicka asked if the borough gets reimbursed from the property owner for this.

It was stated by council members that a list of hours spent cutting the grass is retained and an attempt is made to be paid when the property gets sold.

• Insurance rates are increasing for the borough in 2019.

Kira Steber, the borough’s treasurer, said the rate to renew the borough’s liability insurance policy with EMC Insurance Company is $44,457, which is $108 more than last year.

Workers’ compensation insurance from the Kilmer Group will cost $46,360, an increase of $8,092 from 2018.

The policies are for one year.

• Steber issued a reminder that fall cleanup in the borough will be held on Oct. 6 on the east side of town as well as Knepper’s Court and East and West White Bear Drive.

She said it will be held on Oct. 13 for the west side of town, Laurel Drive and East and West Mountaintop Road.