Walker to consider fire loss claim ordinance

Walker Township supervisors could soon approve an ordinance dealing with a fire loss claim.

The ordinance would provide that in certain fire losses, the insurer having a policy with respect to such loss shall transfer insurance proceeds to the treasurer of the township, to be used to pay delinquent taxes and other municipal claims or held as security and used to pay the total cost of removing, repairing or securing the damaged building, and providing for penalties for violations.

Essentially, the ordinance would require an insurance company paying a fire loss claim to obtain a certificate from the township relating to delinquent taxes and municipal claims, to pay any taxes and claims from the policy proceeds, and possibly pay over a portion of policy proceeds to the township to be held in escrow to cover the costs of removing, repairing or securing the damaged structure, and providing for penalties for violations.

A copy of the proposed ordinance is available for inspection at the township municipal building.

The board may vote on the proposed ordinance when it meets at 7 p.m. Thursday.

— Terry Ahner