Forest Hills Council Stresses New Fire Fee Support

Council members Wednesday stressed their support amidst concerns of misinformation for a new fire services fee that was approved in October.

“In the past, the primary donors were homeowners, which meant renters and business owners for the most part were not contributing,” said Council President Frank Porco. “We thought this through before adopting it and the ordinance clearly states that all money goes to the fire department.”

The , which was after being approved two months earlier, was implemented in part to pay for a truck the department purchased. The fee costs renters $22.50 for the year. Homeowners pay $45, and businesses pay $90.

Porco cited concerns that some in the community have suggested that portions of the funds will be funneled into public works projects. That is not true, he stated. The discussion occurred at council’s regular meeting.

Devon Wood also voiced her continued support for the decision.

“The fire fee guarantees a maximum return, a steady stream of money and more than what they had collected previously from fundraising,” Wood said.

Councilman Bill Tomasic said residents need to realize that in order to maintain a volunteer fire department, equipment, trucks and other needs must be paid for by those who receive those services.

“You need to see all of the equipment they have in there. I think people think there’s just a fire truck and that’s it—there’s so much equipment,” he said.

Tomasic also said the purchase of a new truck is important.

“This money will only be used for the fire department,” he said.