Off-[Putting] Waivers?

The waiver of a fire alarm fee sparked some conversation at this week’s public safety committee meeting.

The Abington Public Safety Committee on Wednesday approved a motion waiving a permit fee for the Abington School District. The school district is planning on installing a new fire alarm system at the junior high school. The estimated cost of the fire alarm — which would be an upgrade and would be integrated into the current system — comes in at about $620,000. The bid is scheduled to be awarded later in the month.

The township, should it choose to waive the fee, would be out about $15,500.

Commissioner and public safety committee member Dennis Zappone voted “no” on the motion.

“If a little old lady has to fix her sidewalk, she has to pay permit fees,” Zappone said. “Why is [the school district] so special when taxes are sky-high to begin with? This just does not make sense. This is $15,000 out of our pocket that we’re giving them … This is an issue that I have and I am standing firm on it.”

Abington Fire Marshal Ken Clark said the township has an excellent relationship with the school district, especially in the area of public safety. He said the township hasn’t charged the school district a fee in about 15 years.

“The school district lets the township use Memorial Field and firefighters are in the schools half a dozen times a year,” Clark said. “At this point we have an excellent relationship with the school district.” 

According to a township memo, the board of commissioners had previously waived permit fees for new school construction or additions to Copper Beech, Overlook, Highland, Rydal and McKinley elementary schools, as well as the secondary schools. And township manager Michael LeFevre said the school district waives its fees for the township.

Resident Lora Lehman disagreed with the waiver and said that the school district’s facilities should be more open to residents.

Board of Commissioners President Peggy Myers said waiving the fee would “make it easier for tax payers,” but commissioner Steven Kline said it really doesn’t matter who pays the fee — it’s just “a re-allocation of taxpayer money.”

The Abington Board of Commissioners will meet Thursday, April 11 at 8 p.m.