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Walker supervisors, fire company disagree over funds

A disagreement over the disbursement of funds to the New England Fire Co. No. 1 has once again sprouted up in Walker Township.

Fire company member Charles Felty told the township's board of supervisors on Thursday that the fire company is still owed money for expenses.Supervisor Craig Wagner countered by telling Felty the township designated $27,712 in this year's budget for the fire company.Board Chairman Bill McMullen asked Felty, "What do you expect us to do, Charlie."Felty responded that he previously asked the board to raise the fire tax, but that the board chose not to.McMullen reiterated that the fire company received $27,712 from the township, and added, "I don't know what else you expect us to do.""I'm not getting into this every time you come here," McMullen said. "This isn't going to go on every month."The board said it would take a closer look at the situation.After the meeting, township secretary Ann Ostergaard said the total cost for the equipment the fire company is seeking reimbursement for is $3,273.Ostergaard said the fire company was reimbursed $1,350 toward that cost at last month's meeting, which is what was budgeted for miscellaneous expenses this year, as well as one-third of the building costs, which they were reimbursed for.She said the $27,000 figure that's budgeted for the fire company is for specific expenses. The only money budgeted for the extra equipment this year was the $1,350, which they now used.Ostergaard said the fire company is now asking for the total reimbursement for the equipment to be paid out of the 2016 budget or general fund.The debate comes one month after supervisors agreed to reimburse the fire company $2,376 for expenses.This isn't the first time there has been a dispute over finances between the township and the fire company.In November, the board agreed to reimburse the fire company for the prior year expenses, as well as up through this past September.That came after the board at a special meeting in October tabled the approval of the payment of the bills to the fire company.

A look at an automated external defibrillator, thermal imaging camera, and Scott airpack that belongs to the New England Fire Co. No. 1. TERRY AHNER/TIMES NEWS