At the Oct. 6 Northampton Borough Council meeting, council members voted to approve a fire tax.

The one-mill fire tax would create a line item in the borough’s budget and will raise approximately $200,000 annually in revenue, restricted to the purchase of fire equipment, such as replacement firetrucks.

Northampton Fire Chief Keith Knobloch reported to council on the upcoming need for new fire equipment. A new firetruck can cost more than $900,000.

Several council members spoke in support of the new tax. Councilwoman Judy Kutzler, chair of the fire and health committee, voiced strong support for the fire tax, citing a number of statistics. She lamented only about 30% of residents supported the 2022 annual fire department fund drive and a concern of fire department regionalization.

Opposing the new tax was council President Anthony Lopsonzski Jr., who said now is not the time to add a tax to the borough.

He noted there is a high number of taxpayers who are senior citizens. Concerns with inflation and a possible recession were reasons for his opposition.

Lopsonzski Jr. said he fully supports the fire department but sees no need for a fire tax.

Mayor Tony Pristash also voiced opposition, though he does not have an official vote in his role.

“My chief concern is public safety,” Pristash said. “Our fire department has the best equipment around. It never needed a fire tax.

“I am passionate for our emergency services. The fire department has always received what they needed and need,” Pristash added. “If this tax is not passed, they will not go broke.”

Pristash noted he fully supports the fire department, and he spoke directly to the 15 or so firefighters and leaders in the room.

“No one can say that you have been denied,” Pristash said. “People are struggling, and we are on the brink of recession. We have a responsibility, like the president said. This tax just comes at a bad time. It is time to take a breath while we work to make the town better.”

In other business, during the hearing of persons present, a representative of Keystone Municipal Insurance Trust presented a check for $47,732 to the borough. The trust had a successful year, according to the representative, so the dividends went to the borough.

One bid - from Hendershot Door Systems in the amount of $129,970 - was received for the fire station garage doors. The bid was accepted.

A $101,400 grant - submitted by Mark Laub, of the fire department - was secured to help pay for the doors. The $28,000 shortfall will be funded through the general fund of the borough’s budget.

Northampton Exchange Club received permission to explore the possibility of developing a food stand at the borough’s Municipal Park.

Brobst announced he plans to set up 2023 budget meetings with department heads beginning Oct. 17.

It was reported the borough received $58,967.96 from the Pennsylvania Auditor General’s Office for the borough’s Fireman’s Relief allocation.

The fire department also received a grant for $100,000 from the Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program to install a vehicle exhaust system at the fire station.

It was noted before the meeting Assistant Borough Manager Brian Welsko was misidentified in earlier Press stories. The Press regrets the error.

The next Northampton Borough Council meeting is set for 7 p.m. Oct. 19 at the municipal building, 1401 Laubach Ave., Northampton. Take note this meeting is a Wednesday. It is an in-person-only meeting.