Pocono News Section

Larksville Council Mulls Tax Increase After F.D. Outcry

Larksville Council Mulls Tax Increase After F.D. Outcry - Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at 07:20AM EST

Reported by: WBRE News
Wednesday, Dec 19, 2007 @07:20am EST
LARKSVILLE, LUZERNE COUNTY- If the community of Larksville wants to keep its fire department, it may have to face a tax hike. Council says there isn't enough money to maintain fire protection around the clock without the increase.

A large crowd jammed the council meeting Tuesday night. The majority said they want the fire department, just the way it is and will take a tax hike.

Council had talked about laying off paid part-time fire department drivers by the first of the year. Now, they have delayed action until their next meeting, set for January 15th.

Fire Chief Andy Kachmar says he hopes something can be worked out. "I really don't think they thought the people would have as much concern as they do, when it came to public safety. People don't mind digging into their pockets, a lot of people say they're not looking at taxes going up for something non-essential but would for fire protection 24 hours a day, 7 days a week," he said.

The chief says he hopes to meet with council to talk numbers before that January 15th meeting.