Kennett Square Borough Council approved a 2024 budget that will raise taxes by 1.2 mills. The increase comes, in part, from the library tax that was approved by residents in a referendum during the November election. The remainder of the tax increase is for the new fire and EMS contract with Longwood Fire Company, which will provide services for 2024. The agreement replaces the regional fire and EMS commission contract with surrounding municipalities that was expected to double in cost in 2024 and continue increasing year over year. Kennett Square Borough Council and Longwood Fire Company created a new contract for 2024 at the cost of about $751,700, plus a required fee of about $13,200 for the insurance and compensation for volunteer firefighters. The cost of the new contract is comparable to the commission’s expected cost, but it is expected to be a more cost-effective solution over the long term than the commission, and can be re-evaluated before the 2025 budget is approved next year. The general services contract agreement protects the borough from additional liability for any fire company’s service, and will create immunity for the borough as provided by the municipality under the law.
Source: Chester County Press; 12/12/2023