Revenue from a newly enacted Fire Tax was presented to three local fire companies.

Adopted during the Board of Supervisor’s December 3, 2007 business meeting, Ordinance  No. 60 states: “to levy an annual tax upon all taxable property within the Township for the operation and maintenance of eligible fire companies; for the purchase and maintenance of fire apparatus; for the construction, repair and maintenance of eligible fire company houses; to make appropriations to eligible fire companies located inside and outside of the Township who provide services to Blooming Grove Township; to make appropriations for the training of eligible fire company personnel, and for fire training schools or centers; and to contract with or make grants to adjacent municipal corporations or eligible volunteer fire companies therein for fire protection.”

 The new tax, which is estimated to raise $180,000 through a 1.5 milage provides funds for the Blooming Grove, Hemlock Farms and Tafton Volunteer Fire companies.

Through in the past, the Township has donated $100,000 to each, the Blooming Grove and Hemlock Farms companies, through monies gathered by the Real Estate Transfer tax, which have been down in the last several years.

The monies will be divided evenly between the Blooming Grove and Hemlock Fire Companies. The next five percent, or $15,000 will be donated to the Tafton Fire Company, with the remaining 40 percent being distributed at the Board’s discretion. A total of $157,000 has been collected so far this spring stated Chairman Supervisor Fred Hatton.

Funds distributed to the companies:

• Blooming Grove Volunteer Fire Company $64,282;

• Hemlock Farms Volunteer Fire Company $64,282;

• Tafton Volunteer Fire Company $7,856.47.

In other matters, the Board:

• Awarded paving roadwork on Spring and Madden roads to Wayco, Waymart, for $192,061, leaving additional $70,000 left in Liquid Fuels monies;

• Granted a raise in gas allowance to the Building Officer from $200 to $250;

• Approved Hemlock Farms Application for Fireworks Display;

• Approved the Wagenknechnt Minor Subdivision/ Lot Combination.

The Blooming Grove Supervisors meet at 7 pm on the first and third Mondays of each month at the Municipal Building, Rt. 739, Lords Valley. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 7.