The West Catasauqua Fire Company will extend one the bays at the fire station in order to house the new fire truck, thanks to a loan from the fireman's relief account, a subsidy given annually by the state for specific uses.

Whitehall Township Commissioner Phillip Ginder said at the July 6 commissioners workshop the he would not like to imply that the fire company's finances were doubtful, but he asked who would pay the loans that the company will owe for the next 10 years if the fire company defaults on its payments.

He told The Press after the meeting he has the utmost respect and confidence in the fire company and did not want to raise concerns during the meeting.

Deputy Mayor Jack Meyers said in case the fire company could not pay its loans, the township would not charge the company the $7,000 annual rental fee. He added the fire company volunteers are hard-working and perform a valuable service on behalf of the township and its residents.

The company could also tap into the $1 million Lafarge Reserve Fund in the case of financial troubles.

"I am not moving to hold it up," Ginder said.

Whitehall Township Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. said the fire company is currently putting together the bid specifications for the new fire truck, which won't arrive until 2016. The addition to one of the bay doors is expectected to be completed by that time.