West Leechburg Council considers fire tax; tax bill would increase by $60 a year for most homeowners

West Leechburg officials are exploring a new revenue stream to prop up the borough’s volunteer fire department.

A new ordinance establishing a 3-mill fire tax to assist with equipment purchases is being considered.

According to a statement on the borough’s social media, the millage rate is the maximum allowed under the borough code.

“They deserve our support to have the proper equipment for a dangerous job,” the statement said.

Township Secretary Kayla Visnovsky said council has been discussing the tax for about four months. She said multiple firefighters have presented officials with financial information regarding what the department needs.

The borough’s current tax rate is 29 mills, not including county or school district. The fire tax would, if passed, cause a little more than a 10% increase (32 mills).

The additional 3 mills would be dedicated solely to the fire department and could not be used for other purposes.

A house assessed at $20,000 would be charged an additional $60 per year in taxes. A majority of homes in the borough are assessed at $20,000 or less.

The fire department has applied for grants to assist with funding without much success, said a statement from the department. Much of its equipment will be expired soon, and it doesn’t have adequate funds to replace it.

Using an example the department provided, a new air pack, a device that helps firefighters breath in fire or toxic environments, costs roughly $13,000. As of 2024, the department had 11 active members.

“We as a department try to fundraise as much as possible for our department; however, we can only do so much with the members and resources we have available to us,” the statement said.

The number of volunteer firefighters in Pennsylvania has fallen dramatically in recent decades, and members are strapped with fundraising for equipment that can top $1 million.

The statement went on to say the department has conducted multiple public outreach programs in an attempt to raise money but received responses from less than half the borough.

The tax will assist the department in getting consistent funds for operation.

Council plans to vote on the ordinance during the Wednesday, Oct. 8, voting meeting.

Gaining popularity

West Leechburg isn’t the only borough exploring fire tax options.

Tarentum officials voted to increase real estate tax by 9% in December to institute a fire tax to benefit the borough’s three volunteer fire departments. West Deer voted in 2023 to move from a flat fee to a 0.5 millage rate, and Allegheny Township also has a 1.15-mill fire tax.

In Westmoreland, Unity Borough has a 2-mill fire tax that benefits departments in the Unity Fire Bureau. Irwin calls for residents to pay a 3-mill fire tax.

Visnovsky said there’s been a mixed reaction about the tax from community members. Some have accepted the tax as a necessary addition. Others have expressed anger about the increased tax bill.

Visnovsky said if the tax isn’t passed, the department runs the risk of not getting the money it needs and ultimately shutting down.

If this happens, residents’ homeowners insurance could become pricier because of the increased distance from a fire department, Visnovsky said.

Borough taxes would also have to be raised if the fire department closes because the borough will be forced to contract an entity to replace it.

“Some (residents) are already making donations and understand this is something we need to do for the borough,” she said.