The Hereford Board of Supervisors were not in agreement on one line item in the 2025 budget at their Tuesday, November 19 meeting but were able to approve it for advertising with the supervisors voting two to one in favor. The budget includes $1,125,727 in expenses and $1,128,268 in revenue.

            Board chair John Membrino reported that he had attended a county-wide meeting regarding municipal support for emergency management providers and said that Hereford is "woefully inadequate" in its contribution to the Bally Ambulance specifically. The funding in the 2025 budget is $8,500.

            Membrino serves on the board of the Bally Community Ambulance Association and represents them at the township meetings.

            At the meeting, it was suggested that municipalities raise the contribution with a tax of   .5 mills, which would total roughly $70,000 for Hereford.

            Supervisor Keith Masemore disagreed with any additional contribution for this year, stating that the ambulance representatives had "a whole year to come to us" and that if that funding is raised, township employees should also receive a larger raise.

            Membrino said that he had to abstain from the vote on the contribution but that he would not vote to advertise the budget without an increase.

            Supervisor Karla Dexter attempted to find some compromise, pointing out the township's responsibility for the safety and welfare of the residents, but a meeting should be held with the ambulance. She also noted the "bigger picture" which would require township police at some point in the future.

            Masemore said, "Nobody knows where all the revenue is going to" that is given to the ambulance, and "it's way too late, it's not right."

            Hereford Fire Chief Josh Borowski stated that he has been chief since 2008, and in those 16 years, no representative from the ambulance had ever attended a meeting, while both fire companies attend monthly.

            Masemore made a motion to advertise the budget as it was written. Dexter also voted to approve and suggested a referendum for voters next year on the funding question.

            Membrino abstained but stated he would not approve because of the "failure to call out" the line item.

            The township office will be closed from December 24 to December 27.