In recent budget discussions, the Tredyffrin Township Board of Supervisors has passed a preliminary budget which includes numerous cuts to things citizens care about.   Among other things, the budget includes cuts in funding to the libraries, police department, three fire companies, and a complete withdrawal of contribution to Surrey Services.  

At the Board of Supervisor meetings, there have been many people who have spoken in favor of restoring the fire company contributions to the 2009 level … no increase, no decrease … that is what the fire companies are asking for.    To date, the Tredyffrin Township Supervisors are maintaining a 5% cut in funding for these volunteer fire companies, a cut that totals approximately $21,000.   Currently, contributions are made to the Paoli Fire Co, the Berwyn Fire Co, and the Radnor Fire Company, in levels proportionate to the amount of township area covered by each.   (Read more:   www.berwynfirecompany.org; www.radnorfire.com; www.paolifirecompany.org )

The undersigned Tredyffrin Township residents say cutting the funding of the volunteer fire companies does not represent their priorities on allocation of tax dollars.   These residents say fully-funded fire companies, which include EMT/ambulance service, is a safety feature all township residents benefit from and should not be compromised.

What remains in the preliminary budget is approximately $24,000 for July 4^th fireworks, an entertainment feature the township offers free-of-charge to only those who chose to attend.   The undersigned residents call for the elimination of the fireworks budget line item in favor of restoring fire company contributions to 2009 level.   This accomplishes the restoration of fire and ambulance funding, while maintaining the “balanced” budget.