Bally Borough Council held a discussion on Tuesday night with representatives of the Eastern Berks Fire Company and the Bally Ambulance concerning funding for emergency services.  Matt Bates, a representative of the fire company, noted Eastern Berks Fire Company would like some sort of consistent funding. 

            Last month, the fire company approached the borough council with a request to implement a .5 mil tax to benefit the fire company.  No action will be taken this year on a millage increase.  In fact, if an emergency services tax were implemented, it would not go into effect until 2025.  The borough council would like communication from the fire company on what it needs.  The fire company agreed to provide its financial details to the borough.

            The borough would like to know how the emergency services obtain their money and how it is spent.  Bates explained Eastern Berks Fire Company does   fundraisers such as a chicken barbecue and an annual appeal.  However, fundraisers such as a chicken barbecue, account for approximately $10,000 of revenue.  Bates noted a fire truck can cost $750,000 to $1 million dollars.  Fundraisers cannot provide enough revenue to acquire a fire truck. 

The borough will attempt to ascertain what information was provided to other municipalities the emergency services cover.

            The borough council discussed creating a committee to determine if a tax is necessary. Once details are worked out, the borough will hold a meeting to inform the public concerning a potential emergency services tax.

            Recently, a test of well #5 was performed.  It was determined the deepest part of the well did not have enough output.  The borough must now search for a new well site and the agreement of sale with the Ehst property for the well is null and void.

            The borough applied for a LSA grant of $736,946 to expand the police department building.

            Bally adopted the Berks County Hazard Mitigation Plan.  If there is a disaster, because Bally adopted the Berks County Hazard Mitigation Plan, the borough will receive money from Pennsylvania and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

            The borough was released from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) corrective action order.

            The borough agreed to advertise its 2024 budget of $2,958,507.

            There will be a Bally community holiday craft show and bake sale at the Bally Mennonite Church on November 18th from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.  For vendor registration call 610-223-0706. The craft show and bake sale are sponsored by the Bally Area Recreational Development Society (BARDS).  Proceeds benefit the Bally Community Pool and Park.

            A tree lighting ceremony will be held on Saturday, December 2nd at 7 p.m.  Santa will be at the ceremony beginning at 6:30 p.m.