SOUNDING ALARM THE NEW SOLUTIONS NEEDED - PSATS
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REPLACING GOOD EMPLOYEES Planning Helps Townships Close Workforce Gaps
SEPTEMBER 2022 Q www.psats.org
SOUNDING
THE ALARM
NEW SOLUTIONS NEEDED
for Successful, Sustainable
FIRE AND EMS PROGRAMS
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
TownshipNews
Pennsylvania
Tough Choices Ahead SEPTEMBER 2022
VOL. 75, NO. 9 / ISSN 0162-5160
SUMMER IS WINDING DOWN, AND AUTUMN WILL BE HERE
PUBLISHING DIRECTOR
in a few weeks. Baseball is entering the final stretch of the
David M. Sanko
season, while football is just kicking off. Harvesting of crops
has begun and will wrap up as the first frost approaches. For MANAGING EDITOR
the first time in several years, kids will be back in classrooms. Brenda J. Wilt
These were once some of the happiest times of the year. ASSISTANT EDITOR
America has lost some of its innocence, though. As we Chris Brady
commemorate another anniversary of the most deadly ter-
rorist attack on U.S. soil in history, Pennsylvania kids born ASSOCIATE EDITOR
on September 11, 2001, will be old enough to have an adult Ali Campbell
beverage. Inflation is at a level unseen in over 40 years. Social media and a 24-hour EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
news cycle have the ability to turn rumors into reality in minutes as information Hanna Martin
seemingly spreads faster than light. Trust in government has plummeted from
GRAPHIC/DIGITAL DESIGNER
nearly 70% to a low of 24%.
Kaylin Acri
Fortunately, that doesn’t apply to local government. Current surveys show that
people trust local government more than the state and federal governments com-
bined. That trust exists because of you and your ability to “keep things real” and Published monthly by:
local. Knowing the difference between “wants” and “needs” has enabled you to pro- Pennsylvania State Association
of Township Supervisors
vide what your community can afford. 4855 Woodland Drive
Despite unfunded mandates from Washington and Harrisburg, you demon- Enola, PA 17025-1291
strate that common sense still can prevail. For example, even with a recent influx of Telephone: (717) 763-0930
federal COVID dollars, your spending had been restrained and responsible. I have Fax: (717) 763-9732
not heard of any Pennsylvania townships wildly wasting dollars by creating pie-in- Web: www.psats.org
www.facebook.com/psats
the-sky programs that cannot be sustained without huge future tax increases, and www.twitter.com/psats
for that, you are to be commended. www.linkedin.com/company/pennsylvania-
However, the high costs we are all facing will have an impact. You’ve seen it state-association-of-township-supervisors
already this year with budget-busting expenses from paving to postage and every- Periodical postage paid at Enola, PA, and other
thing in between. September is also the beginning of budget preparation season for mailing offices. The annual subscription rate is $36
2023. Estimating inflationary costs won’t be easy, and setting spending priorities for PSATS members and $40 for nonmembers. In-
will be even tougher. Will you have to cut services or raise taxes? dividual copies of the magazine cost $5 each, which
includes postage.
PSATS is here to help you with a wide range of services to help make your job
easier. From Regional Forums to Webinar Wednesdays, salary survey data to our Statements of facts and opinions expressed in this
magazine by authors other than Association staff
various communications resources, our job is to get you what you need to make and officers are the responsibility of the authors only
good decisions and avoid repeating others’ mistakes. Whether you use our award- and do not necessarily represent those of the officers,
winning daily, digital Morning News, this Township News magazine, TVN, our members, and staff of the Pennsylvania State As-
website, or our phone/email help desk, we are here to help you. sociation of Township Supervisors.
Now, I need your help. Just as you are going through your budget preparations PSATS does not test or screen the products
for next year, so is PSATS. You have to assess your spending to meet as many needs and services advertised in this magazine. No en-
as you can, and so does PSATS. You have limited resources, and so does PSATS. dorsement by PSATS of advertised products
or services is expressed or implied, except those
The association provides a wealth of services, but we are going to have to cut products and services directly supplied by
some of them or increase dues for the first time in over a decade. We need your PSATS or its affiliated organizations.
help to prioritize the services and resources that members want. Please watch for Copyright © 2022 by the Pennsylvania State As-
a member survey this month and complete it so we know what you find most sociation of Township Supervisors. PSATS member
valuable. townships may reproduce any non-commercial part
Thanks, in advance, for helping to chart the future of your community and your of this publication upon receipt of verbal permis-
state association. As always, feel free to call my cell at (717) 756-5751 or email me at sion from the editor. All others must receive written
permission from the editor prior to
dsanko@psats.org with your thoughts. reproduction of any part of this publica-
tion.
Postmaster, send all address changes to:
Pennsylvania Township News
Scan with your tablet
4855 Woodland Drive or smartphone to visit
DAVID M. SANKO the PSATS website.
Enola, PA 17025-1291
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SEPTEMBER 2022 PA TownshipNews 3
TownshipNews
Pennsylvania
contents MAGAZINE OF THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE ASSOCIATION OF TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS Q SEPTEMBER 2022
Features
On the Cover 20 How To Support Emergency Services
Veteran township officials with experience in emer-
gency services offer advice on how best to partner with
and support fire and emergency services in your town-
ship.
24 Got a Plan? Emergencies Won’t Wait
Recent flooding and other natural disasters shine a
light on the need for emergency planning. Township
officials should work with emergency management
coordinators to plan for the worst.
8 Sounding the Alarm
Fire and emergency services across the 27 Meet the Board: H. Scott Russell
commonwealth are dealing with challeng- Scott Russell wants to use his position on PSATS’
ers ranging from funding to recruitment Executive Board to advocate for townships at the state
and retention of volunteers. Townships and local levels.
have many options for providing these
required services to residents.
30 The Value of Stormwater Fees
Aging infrastructure and tight budgets are leading
more and more townships toward the adoption of
stormwater fees. Educating the public about the need
for this funding stream is key.
38 From Local Leader to Legislator
Once a supervisor for New Sewickley Township in Bea-
ver County, Sen. Elder Vogel Jr. has not forgotten his
roots as a dairy farmer.
40 Employer Best Practices, Part II:
Succession Planning Departments
Does your township have a plan of suc-
cession? Planning can help your township 3 From the Executive Director 78 Show Me the Money!
prepare for the loss of critical employees, 6 PSATS Board, Trustees, 83 County Association Officers
and Committees 84 Supervisor Hall of Fame
even when it’s unexpected.
50 Financially Speaking 86 Professional Services
54 Legislative Update 92 Classified Ads
62 Educational Courses 93 Ad Index
68 Newsworthy 94 Questions & Answers
73 County Conventions
4 PA TownshipNews SEPTEMBER 2022
SEPTEMBER 2022 PA TownshipNews 5
THE ASSOCIATION
STANDING COMMITTEES
Resolutions Committee Finance Committee Townships With Populations Greater
SERVES THROUGH 2022 SERVES THROUGH 2022 Than 2,000 But Less Than 5,000
Elaine Evans, Thornhurst Twp., Lackawanna Co. Brian Glick, Union Twp., Mifflin Co. Committee
Dave Fritz, Nelson Twp., Tioga Co. Champ Holman, Ryan Twp., Schuylkill Co.
SERVES THROUGH 2022
Linda Greenland, Clay Twp., Huntingdon Co. SERVES THROUGH 2023 John Dockery, Warrington Twp., York Co., Chair
Robert Hetrick, Washington Twp., Jefferson Co. Bob Gordon, Hamiltonban Twp., Adams Co. Marty Dreibelbis, Walker Twp., Juniata Co.
Lyle Hoovler, Sadsbury Twp., Crawford Co. Lori Kepner, Towanda Twp., Bradford Co. Melissa Kibbe, Letterkenny Twp., Franklin Co.
Jack F. Lee Jr., Summit Twp., Erie Co. Lois Rankin, Jefferson Twp., Butler Co.
SERVES THROUGH 2023
SERVES THROUGH 2023
SERVES THROUGH 2024 Brandy Ferraro, Shippen Twp., Cameron Co.
Frank Augustine, Shenango Twp., Lawrence Co.
Greg Miller, Irwin Twp., Venango Co. Deven Martin, Delmar Twp., Tioga Co.
Daniel Halverson, Somerset Twp., Somerset Co.
Chuck Wilson, Towamencin Twp., Jeff Shaffer, Smithfield Twp., Huntingdon Co.
John Hertzer, Moon Twp., Allegheny Co.
Terry Martin, Caernarvon Twp., Lancaster Co. Montgomery Co., Chair SERVES THROUGH 2024
Jane Mellert, Plainfield Twp., Northampton Co. Janice Dennis, McKean Twp., Erie Co.
C. Stewart McCleaf, Washington Twp., Franklin Co. Secretary-Manager Committee Bob Lauffer, Caernarvon Twp., Lancaster Co.
Jennifer Smethers, Lower Mount Bethel Twp.,
SERVES THROUGH 2024 SERVES THROUGH 2022
Northampton Co.
Cory Adams, South Middleton Twp., Jeffrey Geesaman, Washington Twp., Franklin Co.
Cumberland Co., Chair Dawn Jankovich, Sandy Creek Twp., Venango Co.
Jim Fisher, Middle Paxton Twp., Dauphin Co. Cindy Schweitzer, East Hempfield Twp., Lancaster Co. Townships With Populations Greater
Bruce Griffis, Jessup Twp., Susquehanna Co. SERVES THROUGH 2023 Than 5,000 But Less Than 10,000
Chester Pogonowski, Wrightstown Twp., Bucks Co. Judy Gingher, Tunkhannock Twp., Wyoming Co. Committee
Larry Rhine, Lamar Twp., Clinton Co. Kelly Kelch, West Manchester Twp., York Co., Chair
Janice Meyers, Heidelberg Twp., Lehigh Co. SERVES THROUGH 2022
Rules Committee Catherine Ricardo, East Vincent Twp., Chester Co. Nora Blair, South Hanover Twp., Dauphin Co.
Lindy Platz, Girard Twp., Erie Co.
SERVES THROUGH 2022 SERVES THROUGH 2024
Terri Adams, Benton Twp., Columbia Co. SERVES THROUGH 2023
Jeffrey Fiant, Brecknock Twp., Berks Co.
John Knox, Lafayette Twp., McKean Co. Donald Gennuso, Cecil Twp., Washington Co. Adam Brumbaugh, College Twp., Centre Co.
Maggie Rash, Buckingham Twp., Bucks Co. Lisa Kroner, Potter Twp., Centre Co. SERVES THROUGH 2024
SERVES THROUGH 2023 Silke Morrison, Allegheny Twp., Butler Co.
Doyland Gladfelter, Smithfield Twp., Huntingdon Co. Townships Under 2,000 Population Frank Polidora, Butler Twp., Luzerne Co.
Wilbert Mowry, Penn Twp., Butler Co. Committee Rennick Steele, Allegheny Twp., Westmoreland Co.
Kal Sostarecz, Upper Macungie Twp., Lehigh Co.
SERVES THROUGH 2022
SERVES THROUGH 2024 Greg Molter, Derry Twp., Montour Co., Chair Townships Over 10,000 Population
Jack Hines, West Bradford Twp., Chester Co., Chair Rich Potter, Croyle Twp., Cambria Co. Committee
Jimmie Means, Wharton Twp., Fayette Co. Gail Zola, North Union Twp., Schuylkill Co. SERVES THROUGH 2022
Jen Snyder, College Twp., Centre Co. Shawn Arbaugh, Sandy Twp., Clearfield Co.
SERVES THROUGH 2023
Al Fox, Mead Twp., Warren Co. Jason Kratsas, Pine Twp., Allegheny Co.
Nominations Committee Clyde Moore, Pine Twp., Armstrong Co. George Lenz, White Twp., Indiana Co.
SERVES THROUGH 2022 SERVES THROUGH 2024 SERVES THROUGH 2023
Art Allyn, Wyalusing Twp., Bradford Co. Kathy Gentner, Durham Twp., Bucks Co. Fred Gaines, Warrington Twp., Bucks Co.
James Patterson, Logan Twp., Blair Co., Chair Wayne Kahler, East Cameron Twp., Edward Mentry Jr., Lower Providence Twp.,
Northumberland Co. Montgomery Co.
SERVES THROUGH 2023 Charles Wurster, Springettsbury Twp., York Co.
Tom Nesbitt, Ayr Twp., Fulton Co.
Steve Buncich, Conemaugh Twp., Somerset Co.
Kathy Rader, Upper Macungie Twp., Lehigh Co. SERVES THROUGH 2024
Karen Shipton, Findley Twp., Mercer Co. Michael Dwyer, Middle Smithfield Twp.,
Monroe Co., Chair
SERVES THROUGH 2024 Tim May, Harborcreek Twp., Erie Co.
Ron Landman, North Union Twp., Fayette Co. Paul Nyman, Loyalsock Twp., Lycoming Co.
Lora Seidel, Washington Twp., Wyoming Co.
EXECUTIVE BOARD TRUSTEES
$VVRFLDWLRQ2IÀFHUV Executive Committee Pennsylvania Townships Health
Andrew J. Boni, Perry Twp., Fayette Co. 2020-2023 Insurance Cooperative Trust
PRESIDENT Mary Jo Campbell, Washington Twp., Erie Co.
John “Jay” Wilkes Jr., Jackson Twp., Luzerne Co. Samuel F. Cressler, Southampton Twp., Franklin Co. Pennsylvania Municipalities
(Board Chairman) Karen Versuk, Penn Twp., Chester Co. Pension Trust
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT 2021-2024
Theodore F. Poatsy Jr., Upper Salford Twp.,
PSATS Unemployment Compensation
Steven D. Hess Sr., North Centre Twp., Columbia Co. Group Trust
(Board Vice Chairman) Montgomery Co.
SECOND VICE PRESIDENT H. Scott Russell, East Hempfield Twp., Lancaster Co. PHONE (800) 382-1268; FAX (717) 730-0209
Charles O. Stowe, Allegheny Twp., Butler Co. 2022-2025
Christopher Abruzzo
SECRETARY-TREASURER Tom Jennings, Independence Twp., Washington Co.
Shirl Barnhart
Robin Lindsey, Lower Paxton Twp., Dauphin Co.
Bob Heffelfinger, Richland Twp., Cambria Co. Jack Hines, Chair
ASSISTANT SECRETARY-TREASURER Clyde “Champ” Holman
Marvin Meteer, Wyalusing Twp., Bradford Co. Marvin Meteer
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
6 PA TownshipNews SEPTEMBER 2022
SEPTEMBER 2022 PA TownshipNews 7
FIRST RESPONDER CRISIS TOWNSHIPS MUST WORK with Their FIRE AND EMS Providers to FIND SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS TOWNSHIPS ARE CHARGED WITH PROVIDING for the health, safety, and welfare of their residents and preparing for any and all emergencies. Fire and emergency medical services are a big part of that. These institutions are facing their own crisis these days, though, from inadequate funding to a lack of volunteers. Through cooperation and regionalization, townships are helping emergency responders meet these ongoing challenges. BY CHRIS BRADY / ASSISTANT EDITOR 8 PA TownshipNews SEPTEMBER 2022
SEPTEMBER 2022 PA TownshipNews 9
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A
n alarm sounded “A lot of people still have blinders mains: What should we do, and how
years ago alerting on; they’re not seeing it,” says PSATS should we do it?
Pennsylvanians to the President A.J. Boni, a supervisor for
growing challenges Perry Township in Fayette County and It all started in Pennsylvania
facing volunteer fire chief of the Perry Township Volunteer Pennsylvania has a rich history of
and emergency medi- Fire Department. “What does it take volunteer fire service. Ben Franklin
cal services (EMS) providers across the for some of these people to get it? Some founded the nation’s first volunteer fire
commonwealth. Since then, action has local fire associations are very vocal department in the 1730s in Philadel-
been swift among some providers and [about the issues] and some township phia. Things have greatly changed since
municipalities, while others continue to associations are very vocal. Some peo- Franklin’s “Bucket Brigade,” however.
evaluate options and search for sustain- ple, I believe in my heart, don’t want to Today, apparatus costs range from
able solutions. see it or are just numb to it.” half a million to more than a million
“I can tell you the awareness of the Solutions to the crisis are as varied dollars, and personal protective gear
problem is very good,” says Jerry Ozog, as the models of fire and emergency can be thousands of dollars for a single
executive director of the Pennsylvania medical services in Pennsylvania. firefighter. Clearly, hoagie sales and
Fire and Emergency Services Institute. While the issues of recruitment and bingo aren’t enough to fund most de-
“I work with members of the General retention of volunteers, funding, and partment needs these days. Volunteers
Assembly, people at the county level, fundraising are common throughout must increasingly think outside the box
the municipal level, and the awareness the commonwealth, the proper remedy when it comes to fundraising.
is there. Now, we have to roll up our depends on location. Growing popula- The number of volunteer firefighters
sleeves and start to solve the problem. tions and more calls for service in some in Pennsylvania has dwindled dra-
We do a great job in Pennsylvania areas mean a need for increased train- matically since an estimated 360,000
describing a problem, but it’s a little ing, while shrinking populations in manned stations in the 1970s across the
harder to start to solve it.” other areas elicit calls for consolidations commonwealth. That number shrank
Knowing there’s an issue and or mergers. to an estimated 36,000 volunteers in
acknowledging it are two different The question for townships and 2021, according to the National Volun-
things, though. EMS providers moving forward re- teer Fire Council and the state Depart-
“We do a great job in Pennsylvania describing a problem,
but it’s a little harder to start to solve it.”
10 PA TownshipNews SEPTEMBER 2022Chief Bryan Phelps of the Coudersport Volunteer Fire Department chats with Township News staff from the locker room of the
ÀUHKRXVHLQ%UDGIRUG&RXQW\7KHGHSDUWPHQWVHUYHVDQDUHDRIDERXWVTXDUHPLOHV
ment of Community and Economic the municipality or municipalities. Lawmakers in Harrisburg have
Development (DCED). “The most successful fire services recognized the issues facing emergency
“There’s definitely a downturn in I’ve seen in Pennsylvania are the ones services and have taken action in recent
people wanting to volunteer,” Boni that have an excellent relationship with years to address some of the concerns,
says. “The volunteer service feeds the their municipality,” Ozog says. “There’s such as offering tax credits for first
paid services. On the career end of full transparency. They fully provide responders and other incentives. While
it, they have the fruit for the picking. you an accounting of where the fund- help from Harrisburg is welcomed, it’s
They don’t have the expense of training ing is going and what it’s used for.” not a cure-all.
these people.” PSATS Secretary-Treasurer Bob “Money is not going to change
The Second Class Township Code Heffelfinger is a deputy chief with people wanting to be volunteers,” says
requires townships to ensure that fire the Richland Township Volunteer Bryan Phelps, chief of the Coudersport
and emergency services are provided. Fire Department in Cambria County, Volunteer Fire Department (CVFD)
Professional volunteer firefighters, and where he is also chair of the board of in Potter County. “How do we keep
in some cases career firefighters and supervisors. He, too, sees the benefit of people? How do we keep a guy who’s
EMS providers, answer the call every routine, honest discussion. been here 10 years?”
day across the commonwealth. How “Mutual and realistic conversations Ozog agrees: “The solution is not
this is achieved differs from station on a regular basis will lead to every- going to come from Harrisburg, it’s go-
to station, township to township, and one’s satisfaction, with the ultimate ing to come from within the four walls
county to county. goal of better serving the township resi- of your [emergency services] organiza-
One thing is certain, though, Ozog dents and businesses,” he says. tion.”
says: “The status quo is not sustainable.” Successful planning has put Cranber-
ry Fire and Emergency Services in Butler Volunteers make it happen
Working together County in great shape moving forward, Some municipalities have turned to
toward solutions according to Chief Scott Garing. stipends, tax breaks, and even paid po-
Admitting that change is needed “It’s understanding where you’re at sitions to assist volunteer fire and EMS
can be the toughest step. Ozog recom- and a push to get yourself in the right companies. Others have hired career
mends that each fire and EMS provider direction,” he says. “It gets the organi- professionals during the day to ensure
craft a strategic plan with defined ex- zation where it needs to be and going response to fire and emergency calls
pectations from the provider as well as down the right path.” when many volunteers are at work. ‰
SEPTEMBER 2022 PA TownshipNews 11FIRE AND EMERGENCY area of about 250 square miles. unteers is important to Phelps, and he
“We don’t have a fire department says other departments with volunteers
SERVICES around every corner,” says Phelps. “Our should expect nothing less.
nearest mutual aid is nine miles and 18 to “When someone calls us on their
24 miles for all others.” worst day, they expect trained profes-
From purchasing apparatus from sionals,” he says. “This is a job that can
other departments to innovative fun- kill you. We want to give the commu-
draising through social media, Phelps nity the best we have.”
and the all-volunteer force in Couder- Ozog agrees and adds that the train-
Still, the vast majority of calls across sport show how a successful indepen- ing for volunteers today has evolved in
Pennsylvania are answered by volunteer dent department can save taxpayers the wake of the Oklahoma City bomb-
professionals. millions of dollars. ing, attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and ever-
Phelps has served as a firefighter “There’s no code in Pennsylvania present chemical threats. As the fleet
for nearly four decades. The CVFD is that says we have to have volunteers for of electric vehicles expands on Penn-
located along scenic Route 6 and serves this job,” he says. “Across the state, [vol- sylvania roads, so too does the need for
Coudersport Borough as well as Eulalia, unteer fire departments] save billions training in case of a hazardous electric
Sweden, Hebron, Homer, and portions for Pennsylvanians.” vehicle fire.
of Summit and Allegany townships, an A trained professional group of vol- “You need people in an organi-
“There’s no code in Pennsylvania that says we have to have
volunteers for this job$FURVVWKHVWDWH>YROXQWHHUÀUHGHSDUWPHQWV@
save billions for Pennsylvanians.”
12 PA TownshipNews SEPTEMBER 2022SEPTEMBER 2022 PA TownshipNews 13
FIRE AND EMERGENCY handle hundreds of pounds of equip- “Recruitment should never, ever
ment, arrive on scene, go into a burn- stop,” he says. “Recruitment and reten-
SERVICES ing structure, and pull a victim out tion is paramount to everything in
who may be 200 pounds,” says Ozog. the firehouse. You have to make sure
“You need firefighters.” you modernize it. You’ve got to have a
social media presence, and it has to be
Recruitment and positive. Social media is a powerful tool
retention never end if you use it the right way. You have
Finding and keeping volunteers for fire to try to capture that audience you’re
and emergency services should be viewed looking for.”
zation to be firefighters and rescue as an ongoing task, Garing of Cranberry Bringing in younger members is a
technicians, people able to put on and Fire and Emergency Services says. challenge, Ozog acknowledges. He says
that a proactive youth program should
be driven by goals and objectives and
not just exist as an opportunity for
younger people to hang around a fire
station. Leadership is key to attracting
and retaining younger members.
Coudersport volunteers routinely
visit area high schools for fire preven-
tion programs and recruiting oppor-
tunities. Sometimes, life experience is
enough to draw volunteers to service.
“I had [an uncle] who died in a
car accident,” says Evan Rodriguez, a
member of the CVFD Rescue Squad.
“We’re all doing our best to see it
doesn’t happen to others.”
A survey of Pennsylvania Emergency
Medical Services Agencies conducted
by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania
and released in July found that the top
two methods for recruitment are word
of mouth and family and friends. The
top two ideal recruitment and retention
tools, according to the study, are EMT
training for all first responders and pro-
vider tax credits.
A time-tested method of recruiting
volunteers has not changed.
“The best way to recruit a volunteer
is personally asking,” Ozog agrees.
The survey also showed that a major-
ity of rural and urban/mixed agenices
agreed that recruiting and retaining
providers has become difficult.
It takes a village to
fund emergency services
Townships have options when it
comes to financially supporting their
fire and EMS companies. Some town-
ships set up capital accounts for appara-
tus, leaving the emergency providers to
raise funds for other, much less expen-
sive items. Other funding streams can
include a fire tax, a municipal donation
from the general fund, and state grants.
14 PA TownshipNews SEPTEMBER 2022Townships and the borough served
by the Coudersport department receive
an annual report that details how the
department is spending the municipal
funding it receives, Phelps explains.
The municipalities provide general
fund dollars, along with the occasional
low-interest loan for bigger purchases.
Transparency with the townships
and borough is key, Phelps says. Each
municipality knows how its contribu-
tions are spent, as well as those from
the other municipalities. Going a step
further, Phelps says he also gives each
municipality a report of how the de-
partment spends fundraising dollars.
The Center for Rural Pennsylvania
survey revealed that 84% of rural
EMS agencies and 88% percent of ur-
ban/mixed agencies agreed or strongly
agreed that they have a good working
relationship with municipalities in
their service areas.
The time spent on fundraising can
also be an obstacle to recruitment and
retention. Rarely do large numbers of
volunteers have entire days to dedicate
to traditional fundraising events, many
of which are not just time-consuming
but also labor intensive.
The Coudersport department
relies on fundraising for half of its an-
nual budget. Each of the municipali-
ties contribute annually, and Potter
County provides funding for training.
Phelps credits the community for its
willingness to support the volunteers
and department through its various
fundraising efforts. Social media can
help.
“We’re just shy of 7,000 followers
on Facebook,” he says. “We want to be
informative. We sell ourselves and let
people see us.”
The department raises funds
through chicken barbecues, a golf out-
ing, and even a fill-the-boot drive, but
has also increasingly turned to raffles,
which not only raise more money with
less need for volunteers’ time but can
also be promoted and managed nearly
entirely through Facebook, free of
charge. Items raffled off include such
items as a utility terrain vehicle (UTV)
or a grill, which are purchased locally
to provide a boost to the economy.
The recent purchase of a new
piece of apparatus was made possible
SEPTEMBER 2022 PA TownshipNews 15“Discuss the strengths and weaknesses.
FIRE AND EMERGENCY Bring in members of the organization,
SERVICES members of the community,
and have honest discussions.”
limited for larger, more traditional would be capable of reaching remote
through cooperation with Eulalia fire apparatus. When the department areas, the township provided a tax-free
Township, Phelps says. With so many sought an attack truck equipped with a loan to purchase the truck.
rural roads, emergency access may be water tank, pump, and hose lines that Buying new equipment is unique
for Coudersport. The department pur-
chased its ladder truck from a depart-
ment in Northumberland County for
$460,000. New, that piece would be
upwards of $1.2 million, Phelps says.
The department’s pumper is 30 years
old but still reliable, and its rescue
truck is a refurbished model.
“It saves us from going back to our
community to raise funds,” Phelps
says. “We’re keeping apparatus 20 to
30 years or longer. There’s not a mu-
nicipality around that has a 30-year-old
dump truck. If they need a new truck,
they buy it. We’re buying used or refur-
bished apparatus. It’s a huge savings.”
Is joining forces the answer?
Having advised and worked with
fire and EMS agencies in the common-
wealth and elsewhere, Ozog says con-
solidations or mergers work for some
but not for others. The first step should
be seeking out successful models else-
where. Demographics and communi-
ties across the commonwealth are con-
stantly changing, and there are many
viable options, from consolidations and
mergers to regionalization and coopera-
tive intermunicipal agreements.
“Talk to peer, like-sized munici-
palities, then get a roundtable discus-
sion going,” Ozog says. “Discuss the
strengths and weaknesses. Bring in
members of the organization, members
of the community, and have honest
discussions. Where do you see your
organization five years from now? Ask
hard questions. You have to be willing
to work through difficult discussions.”
While the discussions may be chal-
lenging, Ozog says, in the end, a mu-
tual desire to reach a decision that best
serves the community should be the
top priority for everyone.
“The most successful [agreements]
16 PA TownshipNews SEPTEMBER 2022“[We] still have WKHFKDOOHQJHRIÀUHFRPSDQLHVDQGDPEXODQFHV
KROGLQJRQWRWKHSDVW ‘the way things have always been done.’ ”
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I’ve seen are initiated by organizations ing onto the past, ‘the way things have wick and Elizabeth townships and
that want to do it,” he says. “The sec- always been done,’ ” says Duane Ober, Lititz Borough in Lancaster County.
ond piece toward success is knowing fire commissioner with the Warwick “History and tradition are hard to get
that the municipality or local govern- Emergency Services Commission, an past. They need to be planning for the
ment supports it and, at times, encour- umbrella organization serving War- future, not dwelling on issues that may
ages it.”
Having the township and fire and
EMS providers approach it from a
community mindset is key, he adds.
The more municipalities that may be
involved, the more complex the issue
can become.
“[We] still have the challenge of
fire companies and ambulances hold-
For more
information,
check out these
resources
• Pa. Fire and Emergency Services
Institute, 717-236-5995, KWWSV
SIHVLRUJ.
• Pa. Department of Community
and Economic Development, Cen-
ter for Local Government Services,
Fire and Emergency Services, toll-
free 888-223-6837, KWWSV GFHG
SDJRYORFDOJRYHUQPHQWÀUH
HPHUJHQF\VHUYLFHV.
SEPTEMBER 2022 PA TownshipNews 17FIRE AND EMERGENCY Hope for the future our systems,” he says. “I’m very hope-
Despite the many challenges facing ful. There are many dedicated people
SERVICES fire and EMS, there is also optimism. in Pennsylvania, and I’m excited every
Ozog believes that township officials time I go out and meet people who
and emergency services providers will have done successful things.”
sit down and map out a future that Phelps feels the day of municipali-
benefits the citizens each serve. He’s ties having to tax residents for service
seen it time and again across the com- is drawing closer. It’s easier, and unless
monwealth. the problem of attracting and retaining
“There are multiple things that need volunteers is solved, there are going to
have prevented change decades ago. to occur at all levels of government and be fewer options. )
“Sadly, some still hold onto conflicts organizations to sustain and improve
that occurred many years ago and
won’t let it go,” he continues. “The re-
gional system will greatly improve once
volunteers and leadership see the value
that brings to serving the community,
Hear more from Chief Phelps
7RVHHDYLGHRRI&KLHI%U\DQ3KHOSVRIWKH&RXGHU-
instead of how it affects their agency.”
VSRUW9ROXQWHHU)LUH'HSDUWPHQWVSHDNLQJDERXWWKH
Phelps agrees, noting that the vision
importance of professional standards and the challenge
of the community has to come first for
RIÀQGLQJUHFUXLWVJRWRWKHGLJLWDOYHUVLRQRIWKHTown-
agencies considering regionalization or
ship News$OOVXEVFULEHUVKDYHDXWRPDWLFDFFHVVWRWKH
cooperative agreements.
digital version. Log in to www.psats.org, choose the
“Sometimes, we’re our own worst
1HZVURRPWDEDQGFOLFNRQ3D7RZQVKLS1HZV'LJLWDO
enemies,” he says. “Just because it’s
&OLFNWKHSOD\EXWWRQDWULJKW
this way, or it’s always been this way,
doesn’t mean it has to stay that way.”
)81'5$,6,1*5(,0$*,1('
Fire departments demonstrate
creativity to raise revenue
When it comes to fundraising, unique ideas can bring
LQELJEXFNVIRUYROXQWHHUÀUHDQGHPHUJHQF\PHGLFDO
services companies. Below are a few out-of-the-box
DFWLYLWLHVWKDWYROXQWHHUÀUHFRPSDQLHVLQ3HQQV\OYDQLD
have undertaken to raise much-needed revenue.
Hamburg Fire Company, which serves Hamburg Bor-
RXJKDQG7LOGHQDQG:LQGVRUWRZQVKLSVLQ%HUNV&RXQW\
hosts online fundraisers that offer “tickets” for items that
UHVLGHQWVPD\QHHGVXFKDVPHDWJDVSURSDQHRUKHDW-
ing oil. The in-person fundraising events are coordinated
with local businesses, which provides a boost to the local Ralpho Fire CompanyZKLFKVHUYHV5DOSKR7RZQVKLS
HFRQRP\DVZHOO LQ1RUWKXPEHUODQG&RXQW\WHDPVXSZLWKWKHElysburg
Glendale Volunteer Fire Department serves Coal- Fire Department for their biggest fundraiser of the
port Borough and Beccaria and White townships in \HDUWKH(O\VEXUJ+DXQWHG+RXVH7KHHYHQWIHDWXUHVD
&OHDUÀHOG&RXQW\$QQXDOIXQGUDLVHUVLQFOXGHD.D\DN haunted trail and house and is one of the most popular
3RNHU)ORDWZKHUHND\DNHUVGUDZFDUGVDWVWRSVDORQJ Halloween events in the region.
DSRSXODUORFDOFUHHN$IWHUWKHÁRDWÀUHÀJKWHUVSURYLGH Citizen Hose Company No. 5, serving Lock Haven
hamburgers, hot dogs, salad, and a drink and then shut- &LW\LQ&OLQWRQ&RXQW\EDJVLFHDWLWVRZQIDFLOLW\DQG
tle participants back to the launch. The department also sells the 10-pound bags as fundraisers throughout the
KRVWVD+DXQWHG$795LGHDW+DOORZHHQGXEEHG´7HUURU \HDUIRUDYDULHW\RIRFFDVLRQV8VLQJLWVRZQLFHPD-
RQWKH7UDLOWKH3V\FKR3DWKµZKLFKLVFRRUGLQDWHGZLWK chine, the fundraiser incurs little cost and requires mini-
DQ$79SDUNMXVWRXWVLGH%HFFDULD7RZQVKLS mal labor.
18 PA TownshipNews SEPTEMBER 2022SEPTEMBER 2022 PA TownshipNews 19
Support and Partner with Fire Companies
A Column for Township Administrators
7RZQVKLSRIÀFLDOVKDYHDUHVSRQVLELOLW\WRHQVXUHÀUH
DQGHPHUJHQF\VHUYLFHVDUHSURYLGHG9HWHUDQWRZQVKLS
VXSHUYLVRUVZLWKH[SHULHQFHLQWKHÀUHVHUYLFH
VD\UHVSRQVLELOLW\VKRXOGQ·WHQGWKHUHWKRXJK
BY CHRIS BRADY / ASSISTANT EDITOR
A
n open line of communication is key to the
success of any partnership. Communication
between a township and its fire and emer-
gency services providers is critical to ensure
the safety of residents today and well into the
future.
PSATS President A.J. Boni, a long-time township super-
visor who has been involved in the volunteer fire service in
Perry Township, Fayette County, for nearly 40 years, has a
unique perspective. His insight offers a glimpse into the many
layers of issues facing fire and emergency services across the
commonwealth.
One of the primary concerns for Boni is the number of of-
ficials at varying levels of government, from local all the way
up to the state, who don’t understand what fire and emer-
gency services do for the community.
“That needs to change,” he says. “One can’t work without
the other. At the end of the day, the township is responsible
for the health, safety, and welfare of the residents. We all
serve the same people. We need to find a happy medium, a
level playing field where we can all work together.”
Examples include partnering to obtain grants. Townships
may have someone on staff familiar with grant-writing, an
invaluable service to local fire and emergency services provid-
ers. Municipalities can also work with volunteer companies to
obtain low-interest loans for bigger-ticket items.
´7RH[SHFWWKHVHYROXQWHHUVWRcommit 25 to 30 hours a week
to fundraisingLVQRWUHDOLVWLFµ
20 PA TownshipNews SEPTEMBER 2022SEPTEMBER 2022 PA TownshipNews 21
PARTNERSHIPS
7RZQVKLSRIÀFDOVDQGHPHUJHQF\
SURYLGHUVPXVWZRUNWRJHWKHUWRHQ
Bob Heffelfinger agrees. PSATS’ VXUHWKHVDIHW\RIUHVLGHQWVWRGD\
DQGLQWRWKHIXWXUH
secretary-treasurer and chairman of the
Richland Township Board of Supervi-
sors in Cambria County, Heffelfinger
serves as deputy chief with the Richland understand the operational require- know them for their public works de-
Township Volunteer Fire Department. ments — training, funding, equip- partment, office administration, and
“Township supervisors and ad- ment, etc. — for their municipality,” possibly police department. It is ir-
ministrators have a responsibility to he says. “I would be willing to bet they responsible to turn a blind eye because
&RPPXQLFDWLRQVKRXOGEHDSULRULW\IRUWRZQVKLS
RIÀFLDOVZKHQLWFRPHVWRPDLQWDLQLQJDUHODWLRQVKLS
ZLWKÀUHDQGHPHUJHQF\VHUYLFHV:RUNLQJWRJHWKHU
WREUDLQVWRUPLGHDVZLOOHQVXUHWKHVDIHW\RIWKHUHVL
GHQWVRIWKHWRZQVKLSDQGWKHORQJWHUPYLDELOLW\RI
HPHUJHQF\VHUYLFHV
22 PA TownshipNews SEPTEMBER 2022“Township supervisors and administrators have a responsibility
to understand the operational requirements — training,
funding, equipment, etc. — for their municipality.”
the fire department is an independent umbrella organization for four fire been successful due to their efforts to
corporation.” companies and three ambulance ser- set money aside in the past into capital
vices. accounts. Fire companies can now
Transparency and “I’ve been able to get Warwick focus on using their fund drives and
honesty are essential Township and Lititz Borough to fully grant money to handle daily operat-
A key to establishing and main- fund fire apparatus based on a replace- ing costs knowing that the costs of fire
taining a good working relationship ment schedule,” Ober says. “That has trucks are now funded.” )
is transparency, which is a two-way
street, Boni says. The fire and emer-
gency services should be open with the
township about how and where money
is spent. Likewise, the township should
be open about taxpayer dollars and
how they are spent. The more taxpayer
funds a township provides for fire and
emergency services, the more transpar-
ency is expected.
Honesty is also essential to the re-
lationship between a township and its
emergency providers, especially when it
comes to funding, Heffelfinger says.
“I believe it is very important to
develop and foster a mutually non-
threatening relationship,” he says. “Fire
departments cannot be the constant
purveyors of catastrophe to secure
funds, fire equipment, etc. Fire depart-
ments must also be realistic as to their
‘first due’ true fire/rescue requirements
versus purchasing equipment to expand
run loads. The use of mutual aid is a
must on multiple levels.”
Townships can help with funding
in a myriad of ways, including line
items in a budget, a fire tax, or through
grants or loan opportunities. Some
townships have opted to purchase ap-
paratus, which can provide great relief
of time and effort from volunteers.
“Funding is a huge deal, whether
it’s a fire tax or fundraising,” says Boni.
“When a township can buy appara-
tus, it makes it easier. To expect these
volunteers to commit 25 to 30 hours
a week to fundraising is not realistic.
You’re seeing a lot more supervisors out
here involved in fire companies.”
Duane Ober, fire commissioner
with Warwick Emergency Services
Commission in Lancaster County,
agrees. The commission serves two
townships and a borough and is an
SEPTEMBER 2022 PA TownshipNews 23TEMA for
Township Supervisors
IS YOUR TOWNSHIP READY?
Recent Flood Disasters Highlight
Need for Emergency Planning
BY JAMES WHEELER / TEMA COORDINATOR
R
ain, rain, go away, come to those displaced, wishful thinking
again another day! is not a suitable emergency response
This charming children’s plan. Instead, your board of supervi-
EDITOR’S NOTE: In keeping nursery rhyme about a sors should work with your emergency
rainy day has taken on new management coordinator (EMC) now
with PSATS’ commitment to meaning in the wake of to make sure that these “hopes” are
helping members meet their devastating storms and their aftermath that turned into concrete plans.
are no laughing matter. Specifically, your township should
legal and regulatory obligations, By now, you have heard of the disasters take time now to figure out where you
this regular column updates that occurred last month in Kentucky, with would temporarily feed and house dis-
township supervisors on their severe storms, flooding, landslides, mud- placed residents in the wake of a disaster.
slides, and nearly 40 deaths, and Oklahoma, In Unity Township, the American Red
emergency management re- with severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding. Cross secured emergency shelter at the
sponsibilities. Even here in Pennsylvania, Unity University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg.
Township in Westmoreland County suf- The Lloydsville Volunteer Fire Depart-
The column is brought to fered devastating flash floods with sink- ment first helped residents with evacu-
you by PSATS’ Township Emer- holes opening in yards and, sadly, people ation and shelter and then served as a
driving onto flooded roads, requiring dan- collection point for donated food and
gency Management Associa- gerous rescues and pulling resources away money. The local U-Haul franchise of-
tion. In this issue, we review from other priority areas. Fortunately, there fered 30 days of free self-storage to town-
actions emergency manage- were no deaths due to this reckless behav- ship residents impacted by the flooding.
ior. When developing disaster response
ment personnel should com- What do the surviving residents of such plans, use all the resources available to
plete to take full advantage of disasters need the most immediate help you, including those offered by charitable
with? Food and shelter. organizations such as the Red Cross, Sal-
WKHEHQHÀWVRIIHUHGE\7(0$ vation Army, Habitat for Humanity, and
and PSATS. The time to plan is now others in your area. Don’t forget to work
While it is good to hope that someone with your business community; they, too,
will swoop in and pick up the tab for pizza have resources that can be put to good use
for their neighborhood or open their homes during an emergency as shown above.
24 PA TownshipNews SEPTEMBER 2022SEPTEMBER 2022 PA TownshipNews 25
into hazardous conditions, such as onto Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD),
EMERGENCY a flooded road. which defines federal and state stan-
MANAGEMENT Since many of these deaths occur
in cars that are swept downstream, it
dards for installing and maintaining a
road closed sign on any public street,
is important to remind your residents highway, bikeway, or private road open
to never drive around the barriers your to public travel.
With September being National road crew sets up to block a flooded The MUTCD, published by the
Preparedness Month, now is the per- road. A mere 6 inches of fast-moving Federal Highway Administration, is a
fect time to review your township’s flood water can knock over an adult. It compilation of national standards for
level of preparedness and update your takes just 12 inches of rushing water to all traffic control devices, including
emergency response plan if necessary. carry away most cars, and just two feet road markings, highway signs, and
For information on activities you can of rushing water can carry away SUVs traffic signals. It is updated periodically
share with your residents to help them and trucks. It is never safe to drive or to accommodate changing transporta-
prepare, visit the National Preparedness walk into flood waters. For more edu- tion needs and address new safety tech-
Month website at ready.gov/Septem- cational material on this topic, go to nologies, traffic control tools, and traf-
ber. www.weather.gov/safety/flood-turn- fic management technique. The most
around-dont-drown. recent version can be found online at
‘Turn Around, Don’t Drown’ mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov.
On the topic of preparing your resi- Mark roads properly
dents, do they know about the “Turn Speaking of closing roads, does your Attend upcoming TEMA training
Around, Don’t Drown” campaign? road crew know how to properly mark Given that disasters will continue to
Each year, more deaths occur due to roads that are closed to traffic due to occur, it is important for all townships
flooding than from any other thunder- flooding or another emergency? If not, to continuously evaluate their all-haz-
storm-related hazard. More than half now would be a great time for them ards emergency response plans before
of all flood-related drownings occur to review Chapter 6F.08, Road Closed the next one strikes.
when a vehicle is deliberately driven Sign, of the federal Manual on Uniform To help your township better antici-
pate what it might need for emergency
response, PSATS is offering its full-day,
in-person Emergency Management
Fall Tabletop Exercise Forum in three
locations beginning this month:
• September 15 in Westmoreland
County,
• September 29 in Cumberland
County, and
• October 13 in Montgomery
County.
Your board should act now to ap-
prove payment of the registration fee
and any necessary travel costs so that
your whole emergency management
team — which should include at least
your EMC, secretary and/or manager,
roadmaster, and someone from your
volunteer fire departments — can
attend and benefit from the many
thought-provoking discussions gener-
ated during and after the real-world
exercise scenarios.
To register for one of these classes,
go to tema.psats.org, click on the
“2022 TEMA Fall Exercise Forum”
button, and select your preferred loca-
tion. If you need help with registration,
please email tema@psats.org. )
26 PA TownshipNews SEPTEMBER 2022PSATS Executive Committee Member
Champions Local Government Advocacy
Executive Committee Member H. Scott Russell joined
PSATS to advocate for local government. He encourages
members to take advantage of the many opportunities
afforded by the Association.
BY HANNA MARTIN / EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
A
civil engineer and se-
nior project manager
Vital Statistics at McMahon Associ-
Name: H. Scott Russell ates, PSATS Executive
Committee Member
36$762IÀFH Executive Com-
H. Scott Russell has
mittee
applied his expertise in traffic engineer-
Township:(DVW+HPSÀHOG ing and capital project planning as a
Township, Lancaster County supervisor for East Hempfield Town-
Population: 26,475 ship in Lancaster County for the past
13 years.
2FFXSDWLRQ Senior Project
“I’ve been involved with local gov-
Manager, McMahon Associates
ernment for a long time, primarily
Favorite thing about being a doing municipal road work over the
township supervisor: “Local years,” he says, “so I decided to apply
government is much more my day job to becoming a township
responsive than state and supervisor in East Hempfield.”
federal, so when an issue
comes up, we’re able to react Managing the +6FRWW5XVVHOOZDVHOHFWHGWRWKH36$76
to it and take care of it a lot MRE·VFRPSOH[LWLHV ([HFXWLYH%RDUGLQ2FWREHU+HVD\V
quicker than what I see at the As a supervisor, Russell has tackled KHMRLQHGWKHERDUGDVDQRSSRUWXQLW\WR
state level and federal level. many of the same issues that other DGYRFDWHDWWKHVWDWHDQGORFDOOHYHO
You get a feeling of satisfac- townships experience, including man-
tion when you can actually aging growth, navigating MS4 storm-
solve a problem.” water regulations, and reconstructing sor, local government official, or ad-
roads and intersections. However, he ministrative staff, just to navigate the
says one of the biggest challenges of the ever-changing requirements,” he says.
job is managing all the complexities of “That’s one of the biggest challenges
being a local government official. I see, and that’s why I like advocating
“Every year, the rules and regula- and pushing back on some of these
tions at the state level and the federal rules and regulations as they start com-
level come out, and it makes it more ing out. A lot of them have good inten-
and more challenging to be a supervi- tions, but the devil’s in the details.” ‰
SEPTEMBER 2022 PA TownshipNews 27MEET THE BOARD
Despite the challenges of the job,
Russell still agrees that local govern-
ment is the best level of government for
addressing local issues.
“Local government is much more
responsive than state and federal,” he
explains, “so when an issue comes up,
we’re able to react to it and take care
of it a lot quicker than I see at the state
and federal level. You get a feeling of
satisfaction when you can actually solve
a problem. It’s the most responsive and
transparent form of government — you
don’t have that at the next levels.” Lancast er
Representing all
of Pennsylvania H. Scott Russell decided to become a township supervisor to apply his knowl-
Russell wanted to run for the HGJH RI WUDIÀF HQJLQHHULQJ LQ KLV FRPPXQLW\ 7KH GLYHUVH YLHZSRLQWV RI WKH
PSATS Executive Board due to his 36$76([HFXWLYH%RDUGPHPEHUVKDYHDOVRKHOSHGKLPVHUYHKLVWRZQVKLS
involvement on the board of the Lan-
caster County Association of Township
Officials. He says that he was imme- In his seat at the table, Russell enjoys an urban perspective, some with a small
diately attracted to PSATS due to its hearing the multiple perspectives of board township perspective, and some with a
strong focus on grassroots advocacy. members from across the commonwealth. large township perspective, like mine.
“I saw serving on the PSATS board as “I enjoy the diversity on our board, “Different areas of the state have dif-
an opportunity to advocate at the state the different viewpoints that we have ferent issues,” he continues. “We don’t
level,” he says. “That’s something I truly from all over Pennsylvania,” he elabo- have natural gas in Lancaster County
enjoy. That’s what drove me to PSATS rates. “The board represents townships like they do in Bradford County, for
in general, the grassroots lobbying, and located all around the state, not just in example. It’s just the blending of ideas
being a voice for local government.” one specific area. We have some with and coming away with a different per-
spective after we meet as a group.”
In addition to serving on the PSATS
board, Russell also serves on the Pennsyl-
vania Local Government Advisory Com-
mittee and is a member of the American
Society of Highway Engineers and a
founding member of the Central Lan-
caster County Council of Governments.
7DNHDGYDQWDJHRIWUDLQLQJ
Thinking of his fellow PSATS
members, Russell encourages township
officials and administrators to take
advantage of training opportunities
through the Association.
“Going back to that discussion about
the ever-changing rules and regulations,
PSATS is a great resource for education as
well as advocacy,” he says. “Take advan-
6FRWW 5XVVHOO ULJKW OLVWHQV DV *RY 0DUN 6FKZHLNHU DGGUHVVHV WKH 36$76 ([HFXWLYH tage of the conferences, training courses,
%RDUGLQ-XO\DVSDUWRIWKHth anniversary of the Quecreek Mine Rescue. and all the things that we do.” )
28 PA TownshipNews SEPTEMBER 2022SEPTEMBER 2022 PA TownshipNews 29
PAY NOW, PROTECT LATER
Getting Public on Board Is Biggest Challenge
Much of Pennsylvania’s water infrastructure is more than
100 years old and in dire need of repairs, replacement, and
upgrades. As municipal purse strings are pulled tighter, impos-
ing stormwater fees allows townships to better address runoff
while saving township funds to address other emergencies.
Helping the public understand the need for a stormwater fee is
key to its success.
BY ALI CAMPBELL / ASSOCIATE EDITOR
A
sk just about any
township supervisor
in Pennsylvania about
the major issues in
their township, and
stormwater manage-
ment is likely to be at or near the top.
Regulations from the state and federal
governments, especially the requirements
for communities with municipal separate
storm sewer systems (MS4s) to reduce
the nutrient load that eventually flows
into the Chesapeake Bay, coupled with
aging infrastructure, make stormwater
management an expensive burden and
unfunded mandate for many townships.
Stormwater management also goes
hand-in-hand with emergency manage-
ment. Pennsylvania is one of the most
flood-prone states in the country, and
more frequent, heavier storms have in-
creased the likelihood that catastrophic
The purpose of the stormawater fee is to assist the municipality in
flooding will occur. The ability for
meeting its regulatory stormwater requirements while freeing up stormwater infrastructure to handle
money in the township budget for other emergencies. increased rainfall becomes more im-
portant every year.
30 PA TownshipNews SEPTEMBER 2022As more municipalities are forced to
upgrade their stormwater infrastructure,
more township officials are faced with
the challenge of helping the public un-
derstand the need to collect stormwater
fees to cover the increasing costs. The
alternative is raising property taxes.
Reducing runoff “Imposing a ÁDWIHHEDVHGXSRQWKH
Stormwater fee costs are directly re-
lated to how much area does not allow
DPRXQWRILPSHUYLRXVVXUIDFHV makes
rain to soak into the ground, which it fair for every resident and property.”
produces polluted runoff and localized
flooding.
Lia Mastropolo, the Director of
Clean Water Supply for the nonprofit
river conservation organization Ameri-
can Rivers, has a background in envi-
WHEN PEOPLE WON’T PAY
ronmental advocacy on municipal land
use and water management policy.
Tax regulation can help townships
Mastropolo says that one of the
main misconceptions about urban and
collect delinquent stormwater fees
rural stormwater runoff is that it’s not a As with any fee imposed by a township, some resi-
problem, and that can make it difficult dents are likely to pay a stormwater fee late or not at
to sell the necessity of a stormwater fee. all. Townships have a tool to help them recover these
“Flooding from uncontrolled runoff unpaid fees, however.
can be incredibly dangerous and costly, “The good news is that there is legislation in Penn-
especially for vulnerable communities sylvania that facilitates the collection of delinquent
where it’s often a recurring problem as stormwater fees,” says Kevin H. Buraks, a managing
bigger storms become more frequent,” attorney with Portnoff Law Associates, Ltd.
she says. “Pennsylvania’s polluted storm The Municipal Claims and Tax Liens Act (MCTLA) provides the framework for town-
runoff is one of the leading problems ships to collect delinquent stormwater fees in the same manner that it allows for the
that prevents people from fishing and collection of delinquent utility fees, such as water, sewer, and trash, Buraks says.
swimming in their local rivers.” 7KHEHQHÀWVRIFROOHFWLQJGHOLQTXHQWVWRUPZDWHUIHHVXQGHUWKH0&7/$LQFOXGHEH
State stormwater regulations un- ing able to:
der the National Pollution Discharge • shift collection costs and outsource this time-consuming responsibility to an out-
Elimination System limit the impact side collector at minimal expense to the municipality;
of new land development projects by • create incentives for delinquent property owners to pay not only their delinquent
making sure that practices are in place bills but also future bills on time; and
to slow the flow of runoff and infiltrate FUHDWHSD\PHQWÁH[LELOLW\DQGDKDUGVKLSSURJUDPIRUGHOLQTXHQWSURSHUW\RZQHUV
rainwater. who need assistance.
“These policies also require urban “With the potential of collection fees and costs being added to the delinquent bal-
and urbanizing municipalities to re- DQFHWKHEHQHÀWWRWKHSURSHUW\RZQHURIKROGLQJWKLVPRQH\ZLOOQRORQJHUH[LVWµ
duce the amount of pollution released Buraks says, “and property owners will frequently pay their unpaid bill in order to avoid
to waterways from municipal storm this additional cost.”
drain systems — with options like To shift fees under the MCTLA, a township must enact a public ordinance approving
rain gardens but also things like street the collection fees that could be charged to the delinquent property owner. Another
sweeping and inlet cleaning,” Mastro- EHQHÀWWRFROOHFWLQJGHOLQTXHQWVWRUPZDWHUIHHVXQGHUWKH0&7/$LVWKDWLWRIWHQOHDGV
polo says. “All these activities serve to future bills being paid on time, Buraks says. This is especially true for those prop-
to capture pollution near the source erty owners who have been strategically choosing not to pay the township.
before it can make its way into our riv- 8VLQJWKH0&7/$DOVRDOORZVWRZQVKLSVWRHVWDEOLVKÁH[LEOHSD\PHQWSODQVZLWKWKH
ers.” delinquent property owner and create a hardship program for residents who are strug-
As permit requirements become JOLQJÀQDQFLDOO\
more stringent and existing infra- “Delinquent property owners tend to come through on their obligations when the
structure ages, these municipalities municipality is willing to work with them in their time of need,” Buraks says, “and this
face significant costs to upgrade their JRRGZLOOFDVWVDSRVLWLYHOLJKWRQWKHWRZQVKLSDGPLQLVWUDWLRQDQGHOHFWHGRIÀFLDOVµ
stormwater systems. ‰
SEPTEMBER 2022 PA TownshipNews 31You can also read
