On Thursday, December 4th, Trumbauersville Borough Council held a lengthy discussion on a proposed fire tax to benefit the volunteer Trumbauersville Fire Company.  The borough council agreed to advertise the proposed fire tax of 3 mills.  It will keep the real estate tax at 2.5 mills. 

            If the fire tax is approved at the next borough council meeting, the cost per property owner for the fire tax will be approximately $50 per year.  Many municipalities in Bucks, Berks, and Montgomery counties have adopted a fire tax to assist volunteer fire companies in their communities.  Currently, Trumbauersville donates $20,000 to the Trumbauersville Fire Company each year.  The 3-mill fire tax will increase the revenue to the volunteer fire company to approximately $24,000 per year. 

            The benefit of a dedicated fire tax as opposed to a municipal donation allows a fire company to assure a bank or lending institution that the fire company has a guaranteed source of revenue should it need to borrow for equipment.  A donation from a municipality can be rescinded based on the finances of the municipality. 

            Mayor James Black questioned whether it was possible for the borough to give extra money to the fire company.  It was explained that the borough's revenue sources are limited, but its expenses rise continuously. It was noted that there are simply not enough funds from the borough to increase the donation to a higher amount.  The revenue for the fire tax will be held in a separate account for the Trumbauersville Fire Company's use.  The fire tax will appear as a separate line item on a real estate tax bill. 

            A resident questioned whether it was possible for senior citizens to receive a deduction on the fire tax.  Borough Solicitor Colby Grim explained that, unfortunately, the law does not permit a reduction for senior citizens. Grim noted that neither a fire tax nor a public school tax permits a tax deduction for anyone. 

            Council member Amanda Hahn resigned her position on the borough council early because she won a position on the Quakertown School Board.  Elected officials can only serve in one capacity at a time. Council accepted Hahn's resignation with regret. 

            Council President Chris Betz noted, "It is a shame to lose Councilperson Hahn." 

            Mayor Black swore in Robert Hyde to fill Hahn's position for one month.  In January 2026, Hyde will take the oath of office a second time to take the seat vacated by Hahn. Hyde won the November 2025 election to replace Hahn. 

            Council accepted the resignation of Craig Wilhelm from the position of emergency management coordinator (EMC), fire marshall, and Trumbauersville code official.  Doug Wilhelm was appointed the interim EMC and fire marshall until the borough council meets with applicants interested in the position.

            Winterfest was held on Saturday, December 6.  There was a bonfire, roasted s'mores, hot chocolate, and an appearance by Santa Claus.