Allen Township Board of Supervisors met March 14 to discuss incentive programs for the township’s volunteer firefighters.

Supervisor and Fire Chief Dale Hassler said a program like this would not have been worth it a few years ago because volunteers were only allowed to get a 20% return on their real estate tax.

Now, a 100% return is allowed.

Supervisors also discussed a fuel rebate. Volunteers spend their own money on fuel each time they drive to the station to go out on a call.

Township Manager Ilene Eckhart proposed a set mileage from the volunteer’s residence to the station and back. Once volunteers reach a certain mileage, they would be reimbursed a portion of their fuel costs.

Paying the firefighters a set amount each time they go out would be a “slippery slope” leading to a paid firehouse, Solicitor Lincoln Treadwell said.

Keeping the program fair was another point on supervisors’ minds. Some firefighters live outside the township, while others rent, so the real estate tax return may not be the best opportunity.

Hassler said the program would have standards so someone on the roster who never comes out to the scene isn’t receiving the same incentive as someone at 75% of the fires.

In other business, supervisors added a total of 47.25 acres to the agricultural security district. Agricultural security districts are used to protect farmland from nonagricultural uses.

According to the Pennsylvania agriculture website, participants receive special consideration regarding protection from local ordinances and nuisance lawsuits affecting normal farming activities and review of farmland condemnation by state and local government agencies.

Supervisors will meet next 6 p.m. April 11 in the fire department building, 3530 Howertown Road.