MIDDLETOWN, Pa. — Leaders from Middletown and Royalton boroughs in Dauphin County met Monday night over a disagreement on the Middletown Volunteer Fire Company’s funding.
The company has been shared between the two municipalities since the 1950s. However, Middletown Council President Ian Reddinger says Royalton hasn’t paid its fair share for services.
"I believe this is just one of those things that fell through the cracks," Reddinger said. "We fell into a routine.”
Middletown leaders asked their neighbors to increase their contribution from 4% to 11% to match their population representation.
"With the rising costs of everything, the fire department is also seeing financial needs," Reddinger said.
The company’s budget this year is estimated by Middletown to be $240,700. Broken down, it's around $192,700 for operational costs and $48,000 for the department's fleet of vehicles.
Of the total budget, $6,826 currently comes from Royalton.
Royalton’s borough council president and Mayor declined on-camera interviews, but say the biggest concern is timing.
Under Royalton’s proposal, their share would increase incrementally over three years, starting from $13,225 in 2024, then $19,260 in 2025, and the requested $26,447 in 2026.
Middletown countered with a two-year plan that would have Royalton meet the request next year.
The requested would be 387% of what Royalton is currently paying, and jump the annual cost to individual taxpayers from around $6 to more than $23.
No final agreement was made at tonight's meeting, though Reddinger believes the communities will find common ground.
"I’m confident that both communities will get to the finish line, and get the crucial funding that the fire department needs," he said.