The department also is seeking grants through the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, and there is no way to determine how much the department will receive.

The department has obtained previous grants and currently receives $10,000, at no cost to the township. That money is being used to add a bay to the Mount Jackson fire station.

Shiderly said the supervisors have considered doubling the fire tax temporarily, “long enough to pay for the fire truck,” but he does not want to bankrupt the fire department.

The supervisors will meet in special session later this month to plan the township’s 2009 budget. Tax option will be considered at that time, he said, adding, “No one wants to raise taxes.”

Henry noted that the department currently has 60 active volunteers and has responded to 222 alarms so far this year. On average, the township answers 320 calls per year, he said.