Hanover Township, Northampton County residents could see a dedicated fire tax increase as the rate bumps up from 0.5 to 0.75 mills next year. The impact to each property owner depends on the assessment.

The reason: To offset the township fire department’s challenges of declining fundraising and rising equipment costs.

The board of supervisors voted unanimously at its Nov. 11 meeting to include the fire tax increase as part of the township’s proposed $10,663,910 budget for 2026.

“If we look at the equipment replacement schedule, generally, if the township would replace things as they’re supposed to be and we continue at the current rate of tax; by 2029, the fire tax fund for equipment will be a negative $1 million,” said township manager Mark Hudson.

He noted that of the $284,000 in fire tax revenue that’s expected for this year, $245,000 was used to purchase an ambulance.

“I don’t think anybody asks the cost of an ambulance when they’re on the floor with a broken leg or having heart palpitations,” said supervisors chair Susan Lawless.

Hanover Township fire company president Jordan Iassc and EMS director Karen Peters appeared before the board to formally answer questions from the township about the department’s request for $264,000 to fund its operations next year. This includes a plan to upgrade the fire station’s EMS capabilities from basic life support to advanced life support (ALS), such as hiring paramedics.

“Basic life support means that we cannot have a cardiac monitor on board [an ambulance]. We aren’t able to administer meds to help get your heart started and get your heart moving,” Peters said, explaining that the department has historically relied on Bethlehem Township for assistance with advanced life support emergencies in Hanover.

However, she said, because the township’s population has grown, the arrangement has become inefficient. According to Peters, there were 491 advanced life support calls in the township in 2024, plus 349 calls “that should’ve been handled as an ALS call.”

Health insurance provider reimbursement rates are also more favorable for ALS facilities vs. basic life support, she said.

Peters said that discussions with St. Luke’s and Lehigh Valley Health networks about donations to offset the costs are in progress, but amounts aren’t likely to be decided until April. “I already know that they’re both going to donate. Are they going to give us cardiac monitors? No,” she said.

Resident Marguerite Georges said that making targeted suggested donations during fire company fundraisers, such as Santa Days, might help.

“Listening to you tonight, it compels me to donate. I think sharing that information in multiple touch points -- whether it’s an email blast, website [post], social media -- I think it’s really important for people to understand that you’re up against a lot of challenges. We need to support you guys,” she said.

The supervisors also unanimously approved application for a statewide share grant of $550,935 to purchase air tanks for the fire department.

Outside of the proposed fire tax increase, the 2026 general fund budget will hold steady on the current tax rates for real estate, earned income, local services, and mercantile taxes.