Published: March 15, 2007 12:00 am         

Residents discuss ways to bite into firefighters' debt

PLEASANTVILLE — Louise Reed of New Paris envisions a theatrical production to raise money for the Alum Bank Volunteer Fire Company.

Tim and Andi Clark of Reynoldsdale believe dog shows or similar events could be held on the fire company’s grounds to raise funds for firefighters.

Another resident says he and another local resident can restore antique tractors to be raffled off.

Those are some of the ideas discussed by about 75 residents Wednesday during a meeting at the fire company to keep firefighters in the business of saving lives and property.

Recently, the company announced it has a short-term debt of about $10,000 that it has been unable to eliminate. Long-term debt for a fire engine and its building amounts to $148,000.

Since firefighters held their first public meeting Thursday to seek support, $5,200 in donations has been received, company President Jerry Leppert said.

He said the company, which conducts fundraising events throughout the year, is in the middle of asking the five municipalities it serves to adopt resolutions for a fire tax on properties.

William Mock of Alum Bank suggested municipal officials implement a flat tax of $25 for each family the company serves. He said that would be more fair than a tax on property owners.

Reed, a member of the nonprofit Bedford County Players, said the organization conducts performances to benefit the community.

She said the theatrical group’s performances are popular, attracting patrons from Johnstown and Altoona, and is a certain way of raising money without taking firefighters away from their duties.

Reed already has discussed her plan with her troupe, which will vote on the matter soon.

Clark said she and her husband will make inquiries on attracting groups such as dog kennels to holds shows on the fire company grounds.

She said the company would be able to earn money from charging rent and that such groups run the programs on their own.

     

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