Baldwin Twp. Officials Say More Fire Support Is Needed

Local Fire Crew in Need of More Support

John Paravati used Tuesday night's Baldwin Township Board of Commissioners meeting to call for more support of the Castle Shannon Volunteer Fire Department, which services Baldwin Township.

"The money's down with fundraising," said Paravati, a township commissioner and also its fire company Chair. "The carnival isn't doing as much as it used to. Bingo is suffering from the casinos. Equipment costs are going up."

Combined with all of that, Paravati said, the fire department just purchased a new ladder truck for approximately $1 million.

"They were able to pay for (it), but they sold one of our older trucks."

Paravati encouraged residents to not only consider joining the local fire crew but also to attend its fundraisers, including a Sportsmen's Ca$h Ba$h event, which will take place at the Castle Shannon Fire station along Route 88 on April 7 from 12:30 to 7 p.m.

Admission is $40 per adult and includes a hot buffet from 12:30 to 6. The buffet typically includes beer, soda pop and coffee. Entrants must be at least 21 years old.

Prizes at the event include cash and guns.

Tickets can be purchased at the fire station or by credit card at 412-884-7913.

"You don't have to fight fire to be a volunteer," Board of Commissioners President Eileen Frisoli said, pointing out that the fire company appreciates any auxiliary-member support that it receives, as well.

In a related topic, Paravati and Frisoli reminded residents that a concert and dinner to benefit Carol Reffner, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2012, will take place this Saturday at the fire station. Carol is the wife of Castle Shannon Fire Chief Bill Reffner.

Tickets for the event are sold out, but officials are encouraging people to make monetary donations nonetheless.

For more information and/or to make a donation, click here or call 412-884-7913.

2013 Millage Rate Still Being Figured Out

Township tax collector Marilyn G. Wagner said that 10 Baldwin Township properties—nine commercial and one residential—are still waiting for decisions regarding their real estate value appeals.

With only around 800 properties and truly no major developments, Baldwin Township relies heavily on its millage rate to maintain adequate services, so township officials are continuing to wait until at least most of those appeals are heard before setting a local millage rate for this year.

Nevertheless, Wagner said, "We're getting close.

"I think, probably, before April, we'll be able to sit down and work through the numbers and figure out where our millage rate has to be."

But Wagner feels very confident that the local real estate tax rate—currently at 9.50 mills—will fall. [A 9.50 rate equates to $950 per year for anyone with a property valued at $100,000 (land and building value combined). (Click here to calculate your individual taxes based on 2012 rates.)]

Doing a "really quick and dirty calculation" at this point, Wagner thinks that the millage will end up being around 7.52.

Check back with the Baldwin-Whitehall Patch for the official number.

Easter Celebration

Commissioner Susan V. Snyder promoted Baldwin Township's annual Easter celebration again, which will be held at the township municipal building on March 16 this year from 1 to 3 p.m.

Local children are invited to take part in cookie-decorating, face-painting, Easter bingo and more and will have a chance to meet the Easter Bunny.

New Baldwin Twp. Manager Will Start April 2

Read here.

Click here for more Baldwin Township news.

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