By Christine Haines
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Rostraver Township’s fire departments received a bit of financial security in the 2021 budget, with the commissioners adopting a 3-mill fire tax for the first time in the township’s history.
According to Commission Chairman John Lorenzo, the new tax will cost the owner of a $160,000 home, the average in the township, $65 a year for fire protection.
“This is the first time we’ve implemented this tax. We’re going to be monitoring it every year. This tax is potentially going to be lowered in the next year or two,” Lorenzo said.
Commissioner Henry Boldyzar said the fire tax removes politics from allocations to fire departments.
“I fully support this fire tax. I know it’s been a tough year for them with everything that’s going on. It will give them some solid support that they can count on,” Boldyzar said.
“We want to make sure they have all the means necessary to serve not only our community, but the surrounding area through mutual aid,” Lorenzo said.
Property taxes to support the general fund of $7.9 million remain at 15 mills.
Commissioner Gary Beck voted against the budget and the fire tax.
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