On Monday evening, the Douglass Township Board of Supervisors adopted the Emergency Service Tax which will raise taxes 0.4 mills for residents.

            The proposition would raise taxes 0.1 mills for EMS and 0.3 mills for Fire and Rescue. The cost for each resident is based on the tax value of their property. The tax revenue will be allocated to maintaining equipment, operational costs, supplies and house fire apparatus for the Gilbertsville Fire and Rescue Company.

            "We have discussed this for a long time. About a year. We don't want to overburden the taxpayers, but this is a necessity," supervisors Chairman Joshua Stouch said. 

            Supervisor Dr. Allen Kaiser made note that other channels of financial assistance are not enough to sustain the operation, especially with the pandemic.

            Solicitor Robert Brant explained that the plan is a resolution and not an ordinance. This allows for flexibility and fluidity as the plan becomes practice. He also stated that the financial support for Gilbertsville Ambulance is still in discussion.

            During October's meeting, the Emergency Service Tax was evaluated and members of the fire company presented the supervisors and public with an informative and detailed layout of inner workings, financial responsibility, and dedication to the township.

            In other news, Brant updated the supervisors and the public on the fire company building and property plan. A draft to consolidate the fire department building and property is being prepared. The intention is to give the property back to the fire department. The township took ownership of the property years ago when the department was experiencing financial and internal difficulties.

            In addition, developers for the Niels property, located on Wild Run Road, came to the board requesting approval of their plan and waiver requests.

            The property is zoned R-1 and the plan is for a two-lot subdivision. The first lot will consist of a two-acre parcel and the second lot consists of a 21.04-acre farm that includes livestock outbuildings. The subdivision plan will resolve a property tax issue.

            The waivers include a sidewalk and curb to be installed on the frontage road in front of the residence. They also requested to waive the need for buffering around the second septic mound. Due to the fact that it is a single-family dwelling, this waiver does not apply to this scenario.

            The supervisors unanimously approved the waivers and plans related to the subdivision project. They also held an executive session to discuss real estate matters. No decisions were made.