Is this a good deal for Forks?

We read in the paper about the proposal for Forks Township to supply fire protection to Stockertown.

As we understand the numbers, Stockertown will pay Forks Township $1,250.00 a month, or, $15,000 annually for this service. The article also indicates that Stockertown averages about 60 fire department calls per year. Using these figures, this works out to $250.00 per call. We also learned that the Forks Fire Department may also receive $6,800 from the state.

Whether it is $250 per call or $363 per call, is it really possible to cover the added costs such as fuel, vehicle wear and tear, maintenance, equipment replacement costs, etc. for $250 or $363 per call?

While we want to be good neighbors, we must also think of our own financial needs, plus, consider the extra strain and stress that this will put on our very dedicated and hard-working volunteer firefighters.

We hope that the Board of Supervisors has Finance Manager Jim Farley take a long and hard look at the finances as well as having Township Solicitor Karl Kline carefully examine all of the potential legal ramifications of this arrangement.