(12/15) Donations to local organizations dominated discussion during December’s Liberty Township Board of Supervisors meeting.
The supervisors received requests from Fountaindale, Fairfield, and Emmitsburg fire companies as well as Hoffman Homes for Youth and Adams County Office for Aging. The township is especially flush with cash due to receiving $123,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act and $10,000 from Adams County. Township Solicitor John Lisko said the funds came with few restrictions.
Supervisor Bobby Keilhotlz noted the township previously wished to donate $15,000 to Adams Regional Emergency Medical Services but the ambulance company rejected the offer. He proposed that money be split to further support the fire companies, Hoffman Homes, and the Office for Aging.
"I feel very strongly that what we do is take care of our citizens. I believe fire service is a very integral part of what we do," Keilhotiz said.
Supervisor Brandon Lowe suggested donating $7,000 to the Office for Aging, but Keilhotiz and Supervisor Walter "Mickey" Barlow thought that amount was too high.
The supervisors agreed to distribute money to the fire departments that respond the most in the township based on call volume. Fairfield Fire Department, which covers 17 percent of calls in the township, will receive $6,005. Fountaindale, which covers 11 percent of calls, will receive $2,278. Emmitsburg, which covers 31 percent of calls, will receive $10,976.
Supervisors unanimously chose to split the $10,000 in rescue funds from the county between Hoffman Homes and Office for Aging.
"We are not giving our money away, we are giving Adams County’s money away," Barlow said.
Police
Supervisors expressed appreciation to outgoing Police Chief Sherri Hansen who was recently hired as Bonneauville’s police chief. Hansen was the first female chief in Adams County, Barlow said. They also accepted the resignation of part-time Police Officer Craig Hartley, who has been inactive for about three years.
The board welcomed a new officer, Sgt. Chris Rodsen. The sergeant will be paid $24/hour for 40 hours a week with the possibility of up to 10 overtime hours per week, Barlow said. He will begin his duties Jan. 1.
The township’s police department will continue to patrol Highland Township 25 hours per month. Highland Township will pay Freedom Township $18,900 in 2023, $19,656 in 2024, and $20,442.24 in 2025 for the coverage.
Keilhotlz expressed concern about setting a three-year contract for services. "We have no provisions in here to cover us if fuel gets out of hand," he said.
Barlow noted the contract can be canceled by either township at any time, which would protect the township if there is a significant spike in gas prices.
The supervisors will continue to meet at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month in 2023.
