Changes are expected at the New Hanover Fire & Rescue. One personnel adjustment will occur in the near future. The other, related to the nature of the fire services, is more uncertain.

            Last week, during the budget workshop portion of the township's board of supervisors meeting, William Moyer announced that he would soon be stepping down as the chief. Moyer, who has served in that position since 1987, said he informed members of his intent during a meeting last month.

            "This is my last year as chief," Moyer said during the Oct. 6 public meeting, adding that he would be moving into an administrative role. "It's time to take my hands off the reins."

            Manager Jamie Gwynn asked Moyer and service President Matthew Barnes to allow the municipality to have more input into its 2023 budgeting process. He suggested the township's projected growth will likely require increased contribution to the service in the coming years. Gwynn described the shift to paid firefighters as inevitable.

            "I want to lend my services," he said. "I want to focus on maintaining that excellent level of fire protection."

            The manager also said he would like to roll the service into a re-created Emergency Services Board, mostly to deal with issues related to ambulance service in the township, in the next couple of years. Gwynn said he wants the supervisors to be acutely aware of the service's financial needs moving forward. 

"I don't want there to be any surprises for my members," said the manager, who also asked Moyer and Barnes to submit a capital fund budget to the municipality.

            The supervisors expect to contribute $215,000 to the fire service. Gwynn said that number could increase in the future.

            According to Moyer, the service has five vehicles with an approximate replacement value of $1 million each. He said its 10-year capital replacement plan calls for spending $871,000 to replace a 2010 engine.  "That's not going to happen," the chief said.

            Instead, Moyer suggested spending between $14,000 and $15,000 refurbishing the vehicle, which would add 10 to 12 years of life to it.

            In other news, a plan to demolish the former Hickory Park restaurant, and remove two underground tanks on the property in New Hanover, won't occur this year. The state Department of Community and Economic Development rejected a grant request from the township to complete that work, according to Gwynn.

            He added that a plan to knock down the structure, at 2138 Big Road, would likely occur next year. The municipality completed its purchase of the two-acre parcel on Aug. 8 from Hickory Park Restaurant, Inc. for $100,000, according to Montgomery County property records information.

            During the Oct. 6 meeting, Gwynn said the supervisors will reapply for the Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program grant in 2023. In May, the municipality applied for $250,000 to cover the entire scope of the work. The manager previously estimated the cost to remove the tanks at $40,000.