Weatherly borough council members say the cost they are paying to support the borough's fire company is increasing. Some would like to see neighboring Packer Township, which has been a partner in the fire department for decades, share more of the cost.

Members discussed the issue at Monday's borough council meeting, where they finalized the 2016 budget.Council had asked Packer Township for more money this summer after finding out the fire department's insurance was going up by $11,000. Packer responded this month and offered them the $2,000, which wasn't enough for all members. Council voted to accept that tonight, on a one-year basis, but they want to revisit the agreement.The fire department's 2016 budget is about $82,000. Weatherly pays all but about $9,000 of that amount.Norman Richie wanted to seek more money this year. He said this is the first time the township has increased their contribution in at least 19 years, and it is not in line with the department's workload today. Richie said the township pays about $9 per resident for fire coverage, whereas the borough pays about $22."I don't think that's fair to the taxpayers of the borough," he said. "(The township) hasn't had an increase in years."Mayor Tom Connors agreed they should look at the agreement after this year instead of risk losing the 2016 contribution by asking for more.Harold Farrow, in supporting a one-year agreement, suggested that the board meet with officials and residents from the township sometime in the next year to demonstrate why their costs have increased, and the need for increased cost sharing.The council also agreed to buy a new hoop for the basketball courts at Eurana Park. The borough and its summer basketball league will each purchase a hoop and backboard at a cost of $848 each.