South Whitehall commissioners have proposed a 0.47-mill fire tax to be added on to residents’ real estate bills in response to increasing costs of equipment and other necessities associated with fire protection.

Board President Christine “Tori” Morgan explained the reason for the tax.

“The cost of everything is going up,” Morgan said. “This will provide long-term sustainability for the volunteer fire companies.”

The tax, $47 on each $100,000 of assessed property value, would be kept separate from the general fund and used only for fire-related purposes.

Listed in the proposed ordinance are: building and maintenance of suitable places to have fire apparatus; purchase of fire trucks, equipment, and other apparatus; and training for firefighters.

Commissioner David Bond commented on the tax.

“The cost of equipment has continued to outpace itself,” Bond said. “This will help fire companies save and help fund future things as they come down the line. “The fund will be under tight township control strictly for fire.”

He said the money may be used for capital purchases, maintenance and operating expenses.

Bond reported South Whitehall has 78 volunteer firefighters.

“It would be mind-boggling if we had them as paid employees,” he said, adding traditional fundraisers conducted by fire companies do not bring in enough money for the big expenditures.

He reminded residents the services provided by their local municipality are the ones most directly impacting their lives.

Improvements in fire protection from the tax will benefit people living in South Whitehall, Bond suggested.

Township Finance Director Brooke Neve said the 0.47 mills would bring in $1,066,946 at the current assessment.

The amount could change depending on revised assessments in the future, Neve added.

Commissioners will vote on the proposed tax at a future meeting.