FLEMINGTON — According to the The Lock Haven Express, financial concerns surrounding the Goodwill Hose Volunteer Fire Company were a major topic of discussion during Flemington Borough Council’s first May meeting, as borough officials warned the department is facing growing financial challenges that could impact future fire protection services if corrective action is not taken.

According to council members during the meeting, the volunteer fire company is currently facing approximately $10,000 in debt, along with reported late fees and unpaid bills. Borough officials stressed the importance of stabilizing the department financially to ensure continued emergency services for the community.

“We have to do something to help them,” Council member Dave Grimm said during the meeting. “We need a fire company. Our residents need a fire company.”

Fire Chief Dustin Houtz acknowledged the department is in need of assistance and said members are supportive of efforts to improve the organization’s financial standing.

“We need help to get our books back into the green,” Houtz stated.

Despite the financial concerns, the department continues progressing operationally. Houtz reported that two firefighters are currently completing Firefighter 1 certification training prior to upcoming state requirement changes. The department also recently completed its overdue IRS 990 filing, restoring eligibility for county and foundation grant opportunities.

Council members Ed Higgins and Dave Grimm said they recently attended a lengthy fire company meeting where concerns regarding bookkeeping practices and financial oversight were discussed.

Officials emphasized they were not alleging wrongdoing, but said stronger accounting practices, audits and financial oversight are necessary moving forward.

Council members also warned that the loss of a local volunteer fire department could eventually result in significantly higher costs for residents if outside contracted fire protection services became necessary.

Fire company fundraising representative Stephanie Russell outlined several ongoing fundraising efforts aimed at generating revenue, including food sales, benefit dinners, a chicken barbecue and a borough-wide donation mail campaign. Russell noted some current fundraisers are being financially supported by volunteers themselves due to limited department funds.

Following the discussion, borough council voted to begin formally assisting the fire company. The approved motion directs the department to pursue an audit, work alongside the borough finance committee following completion of the audit and continue planning fundraising efforts.

Council and fire department officials indicated discussions and updates will continue as efforts move forward to stabilize the organization’s finances.

Information sourced via the The Lock Haven Express. Information is subject to change as additional updates become available.