Tarentum Council upping donations to town's 3 volunteer fire departments

Tarentum Council is ramping up donations to its three fire departments, acknowledging the struggle volunteers face with decreased public aid.

Direct contributions for each department will increase by $4,500 to $17,000 each for Eureka Fire-Rescue, Highland Hose and Summit Hose.

Council approved the amounts in its preliminary $16.4 million budget, which is expected to be passed in December.

“The fire department expenses are increasing like everything else due to inflation, while simultaneously receiving less donations and having less volunteers,” borough Manager Dwight Boddorf said. “The stations have had (maintenance) problems, and gas prices are through the roof. These increases are ways we can help.”

New this year, the borough will pay electric bills at each of the stations and increase the donation for gas purchases by $500 to $3,500.

“We’re happy about it,” Summit Hose Chief Josh Fox said. “It’s a step in the right direction. We’re grateful for anything that can be relieved off our plate.”

Council expects to spend about $3,000 to $4,000 for each station’s utility expenses in 2024. That’s the average based on each department’s use over the past three years.

The policy is in line with that of other borough-owned buildings.

Highland Hose President Bob Stoebener said his department appreciates that council is paying the bill.

“That’s one less expense that we have to go out and fundraise for,” he said.

“Any help that the borough can provide for us in offsetting costs, we’ll gladly take because it makes it easier on our volunteers and our day-to-day operations.”